RFA LB Johnson will stay with Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs succeeded in retaining restricted free agent linebacker Derrick Johnson, who has spent all of his first five seasons with the Chiefs since putting on NFL jersey as a first-round draft pick in 2005.

Johnson, 27, was the former leader of the Chiefs’ defense but fell out of favor last season, starting just three games and compiling a career-low 37 tackles. He did begin to see more time late in the year, though, and returned two interceptions for touchdowns in a Week 17 win over the Denver Broncos. By keeping him in the Chiefs jersey, the team expects Johnson to be in the running for a starting spot next to Demorrio Williams in the 2010 season.

Along with Johnson, offensive lineman Ikechuku Ndukwe also signed restricted free agent tender with the Chiefs. Since being acquired from the Miami Dolphins before the 2009 season, Ndukwe has been used by the Chiefs as a rotational player, playing in 12 games and starting three. He is expected to remain a versatile backup both at guard and tackle for the 2010 season.

Chiefs LB Johnson welcomed the team's offseason overhaul

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson said Friday that he was glad to see the Chiefs' offseason overhaul.

The changes included having a new general manager Scott Pioli and a new coach Todd Haley. It was believed that the changes will turn around the franchise's sagging fortunes.

“Change is good, especially for a team that's been losing for the last two seasons,'' Johnson said. “(After finishing) 4-12 and 2-14, we need a change. We had developed a habit of losing, and we have to turn that around.''

Good attitude. If all the players can embrace the changes in Jonhson's way, there will be more hope to the team.