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.

QB Huard was released by 49ers and might return to Chiefs

After the 13th-year pro Damon Huard was released by the San Francisco 49ers, 49ers coach Mike Singletary said quite a few good words for the 36-year-old quarterback.

“I am thankful that we were lucky enough to have Damon here with us this offseason,” Singletary said. “He was a professional in every sense. What he did with our quarterbacks was outstanding. He helped them to have a better idea about what it takes to be a pro. Not only did he provide them great tips throughout, but he helped build their confidence.”

Being best known for lengthy backup stints, Stuart used to back up Miami Dolphins’ Dan Marino and New England Patriots’ Tom Brady. He had chance to start 13 games over the last two seasons while playing for the Kansas City Chiefs but failed to stay on the job for long during the five seasons he was with the Chiefs, who could be in the market for a quarterback after starter Matt Cassel hurt his knee last week and might be sidelined for two to four weeks. And Huard would be a good choice in replacement if it would be confirmed that Cassel will be sidelined for the first few regular season games. Hope that Huard will get a chance to wear a team's nfl jersey soon.

In the 49ers, after Huard was released, Nate Davis, the 35th pick of 5th round this year, will succeed the job of No. 3 quarterback behind starter Shaun Hill and backup Alex Smith.