Chiefs will allow longtime LB Derrick Johnson to hit free agency

The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Tuesday that Derrick Johnson will become a free agent when his contract expires March 14, ending the linebacker's 13-year run with the team.

Johnson was technically under contract for 2018, but the Chiefs will void the final year of his deal.

“Few players in recent history have meant more to the Chiefs franchise and the Kansas City community than Derrick Johnson,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said in a statement. "Derrick represented himself and the Chiefs organization with integrity and class, and he will always be a part of our Chiefs family.”

The No. 15 overall pick of the 2005 draft, Johnson is Kansas City's all-time leading tackler, compiling 1,262 career stops. He earned four Pro Bowl appearances with the club.

“I’ve been blessed to be a part of the Kansas City Chiefs organization my entire career,” Johnson said. "I love Kansas City and this fan base, they’ve always had my back. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to spend 13 years in a place I love."

Although the veteran wishes to be remembered as a Chief, he put to rest any potential retirement chatter.

"I plan on playing for several more years because I love this game so much," he said. "But I look forward to retiring as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs when my career is over."