Coming off a season in which he spent more time on the bench than he did on the field, the consensus was that Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson would be playing elsewhere in 2011, as he had done next to nothing to earn a new contract past this year’s campaign.

But after Johnson settled in perfectly with new defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel’s scheme, word began to spread that Kansas City would be amicable to giving Johnson a long term extension to keep him with the Chiefs through his prime playing years.

That day has finally come, as Johnson was rewarded this morning with a new five year contract that will reportedly pay him $34 million, with $15 million of that guaranteed.

Johnson has put up outstanding numbers all season long this year, averaging 8.1 tackles per game and delivering several memorable plays that have helped the Chiefs to a 5-3 record and first place in the AFC West.

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