Following the first day of Rookie Minicamp, Head Coach Jon Gruden announced the signing of linebacker Derrick Johnson.
With the addition of the former Kansas City Chief, the Oakland Raiders are not only getting an incredibly productive linebacker, but a veteran playmaker with four Pro Bowls under his belt.
"Look, I've known Derrick a while," said Coach Gruden. "He brings us status at a critical position. He's got a great history in this league, been productive under a lot of different coaches, different schemes. He understands the AFC West, he certainly understands this rivalry, and we're just really excited to add him to our team with Tahir Whitehead, and some of our young linebackers. His presence is very valuable."
With the addition of Johnson to the Silver and Black's roster, the next question was understandably about the pursuit of NaVorro Bowman, but Gruden was quick to say that door is not closed.
"I wouldn't assume anything," Gruden said. "As you've seen, we've made a lot of moves, and that means we're probably going to make more moves in the coming days. We just want to get better. There's a strong sense of urgency to get better. We've added some young defensive tackles, some young linebackers. We like the direction we're headed, but getting a guy like Derrick Johnson, I think could be huge for us."
In his 13 NFL seasons – all with the Kansas City Chiefs – Johnson has appeared in 182 games, totaling 938 tackles, 27.5 sacks, forced 22 fumbles, been named to the aforementioned four Pro Bowls, and earned All-Pro honors once.
Take a look at photos of veteran linebacker Derrick Johnson from his 13 seasons with Kansas City.
David J. Phillip/Associated Press
Reed Hoffmann/Associated Press
Ed Zurga/Associated Press
Aaron M. Sprecher/Associated Press
Peter Read Miller/Associated Press
Paul Jasienski/Associated Press
Ric Tapia/Associated Press
G. Newman Lowrance/Associated Press
James D. Smith/Associated Press
Scott Boehm/Associated Press
Tim Umphrey/Associated Press
