Washington Redskins sign former Chiefs linebacker Gary Johnson

The Washington Redskins have reportedly signed free agent linebacker Gary Johnson, who spent time earlier this offseason with the Chiefs.

NFL reporter Ian Rapoport has word that the Washington Redskins have added some young competition at linebacker in the form of Gary Johnson, a former undrafted free agent signing with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chiefs originally landed Johnson as a rookie free agent after he wasn’t selected in the draft’s seven rounds as part of a heralded UDFA class. Johnson drew praise for his tackling ability and experience at the University of Texas, and the Chiefs hoped he might come in and help plug some holes in terms of overall talent and depth at linebacker.

Surprisingly the Chiefs cut Johnson at the same time they cut another promising rookie free agent signing in running back James “Boobie” Williams. Both players were lauded as solid signings for Brett Veach to add to the team’s draft class, but instead neither were even able to make it to training camp with the team’s 90-man roster. The Chiefs instead went with linebacker D’Juan Hines who remains with the team to this day.

Johnson had 90 tackles, including 16.5 for a loss, in his final season with the Longhorns last season. Johnson added 6.5 sacks, seventh in the Big 12, to his total as well. He was voted second-team all-conference after the season and projected as a late round pick despite his tackling prowess.

Johnson joins fellow rookie linebackers Montez Sweat, taken in the first round; Cole Holcomb, taken in the fifth round; and Jordan Brailford, taken in the seventh, as new young additions on the Redskins defense.