The Kansas City Chiefs have added linebacker D’Juan Hines, a journeyman linebacker who has already spent time with the Chargers and Browns.
The Kansas City Chiefs have added another linebacker to the mix of competitors coming into training camp with the addition of journeyman D’Juan Hines. Hines is an undrafted free agent from 2018 who has previously spent time with the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns.
Hines replaces Gary Johnson, a surprising cut on the part of the Chiefs front office earlier this week. Johnson, a linebacker out of the University of Texas, was one of the most heralded members of the team’s acclaimed undrafted free agent haul. Much like Ben Niemann before him, Johnson was often spoke about as one of the undrafted rookies with the best chance of making the active roster. Instead, he didn’t even make it into training camp.
In his place is Hines, a former Houston Cougar who came to college as a quarterback before making the defensive transition to linebacker. At 6’1, 230 lbs., Hines is still growing into the position but finished his final season in the AAC with 110 total tackles, 6.5 of them for a loss. Hines also had 3 forced fumbles and an interception in his collegiate career.
From the Chargers, he found some playing time last season with the Cleveland Browns after not making Anthony Lynn‘s roster in L.A. He played in 13 games for the Browns last season
Hines is likely going to have to make a believer out of one primary individual in training camp: Dave Toub. As the Chiefs special teams coach and assistant head coach, Toub is likely going to have serious sway on the guys who form the bottom of the depth chart at key positions, including linebacker. Hines is a guy unlikely to see much playing time as a defender, but he could make a real go of it at special teams. His perspective and leadership as a former quarterback might also come into play as he continues to develop as a tackler.
Check out some college highlights below.