Raiders cut Derrick Johnson, former Chiefs linebacker

Derrick Johnson’s tenure as an Oakland Raider was short-lived.

Johnson, who signed with Raiders in May after spending his first 13 seasons with the Chiefs, was cut on Tuesday.

“We certainly wish Derrick Johnson the best,” coach John Gruden said.

When Johnson became a free agent in February and the Chiefs decided not to make an offer, Johnson said he wanted to remain in football and “planned on playing for several more years.”

He signed with the rival Raiders and was named team captain right before the season. He appeared in six games this season and recorded 17 tackles. His playing time had decreased over the past three games. The Raiders are 1-5.

Johnson, 35, is the Chiefs’ career tackles leader and was second on the team last season with 71 stops. He’s a four-time Pro Bowl linebacker and was named All-Pro in 2011.

When the Chiefs evaluated the position for 2018, they opted to sign Anthony Hitchens, who had been with the Cowboys, to pair with Reggie Ragland at inside linebacker. The three other inside linebackers on the roster are Terrance Smith, Dorian O’Daniel and Ben Niemann.

Blair Kerkhoff

Blair Kerkhoff covers the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals and college sports for The Star.