Chiefs letting all-time leading tackler

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After 13 years in City, the have decided to let linebacker walk away in free agency. David Dahl Jersey The team announced on Tuesday that it's going to let Johnson's contract expire, which will make him a free agent on March 14. Johnson signed a three-year extension with the Chiefs in 2016, but that deal didn't last long because the Chiefs before the 2017 season. As part of the restructured deal, the final year in his contract became voidable, which is why he'll be a free agent in March.The Chiefs wanted to get younger on defense, so they made no effort to re-sign the 35-year-old linebacker. Although Johnson has been in Kansas City since being the 15th overall pick in the 2005 , he ."The Chiefs, they wanted to go younger acro s the board -- that's what (general manager Brett) Veach was talking about," Johnson said Tuesday, via KansasCity.com. "I wasn't Ryan McMahon Jersey  in their plans, and I understood that. They've got some cap i sues, and even though I would have bended some to be a Chief, there really was no negotiation. I just wasn't in the plans."Johnson will leave the Chiefs Chad Bettis Jersey  as the player with the most tackles in franchise history. Johnson has been such a vital part of the team over the past 13 years that team owner Clark Hunt released a statement when the Chiefs decided they were moving on from Johnson.  "Few players in recent history have meant more to the Chiefs franchise and the Kansas City community than Derrick Johnson," Hunt said. "His tirele s work ethic and pa sion for the game made him one of the most productive defensive players to ever wear a Chiefs uniform and one of the most respected players both in our locker room and around the league."  13 seasons1,262 tackles182 games40 quarterback pre sures27.5 sacks 23 forced fumbles14 interceptions  Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs)  As for Johnson, he said he plans to play a few more years."I love Kansas City and this fan base, they've always had my back," Johnson said Scott Oberg Jersey . "I'm grateful I had the opportunity to spend 13 years in a place I love. I plan on playing for several more years because I love this game so much, but I look forward to retiring as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs when my career is over."I Bryan Shaw Jersey 'll mi s my Chiefs teammates  we made a lot of big plays together over the years  and I wish them the best in bringing a championship home to the best and loudest fans in the ."  Johnson is the second aging Chiefs defensive  in the past week. The team also cut on Feb. 8. On the other hand, one defensive veteran who's expected to stick around in 2018 is . According , Houston isn't on the chopping block, despite his $14.75 million base salary that's about to be on the books for 2018.