River Falls, Wis. — Linebacker Derrick Johnson, Kansas City's first-round draft choice, agreed to a five-year contract Sunday.
Johnson, an All-American at Texas and winner of the Butkus Award in 2004 as the best linebacker in college football, was the 15th player drafted and looked dazzling in offseason workouts.
Team president and general manager Carl Peterson said Johnson would be in camp today.
He is expected to step right into a starting job as the Chiefs revamp their lowly defense with as many as five new starters.
He was the last of the Chiefs' draft picks to sign. Financial terms were not announced.
"I just got off the phone with him, and he's very pleased, excited and anxious to get to camp," Peterson said after Sunday's afternoon practice. "We will fly him in first thing in the morning."
The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Johnson had 130 tackles his senior season and set an NCAA record with nine forced fumbles.
"We're pleased about getting it done," Peterson said. "It was a very professional negotiation. It was just a continual process of trying to get it done."
Unlike many rookies who have a breaking-in period as backups, Johnson is almost certain to be a starter on the outside when Kansas City opens the season Sept. 11 against the New York Jets.
"He's excited. He can't wait to get up here, he said. And I said, 'Well, you're behind - about seven practices. You've got some catching-up to do, and get ready to take some goodhearted ribbing from your teammates,"' Peterson said.
Meanwhile, receiver Freddie Mitchell and 10-time Pro Bowl guard Will Shields were out of camp getting injuries tended to. Shields flew back to Kansas City to consult with a back specialist. Mitchell, who injured his knee near the end of practice Saturday, will undergo arthroscopic surgery this week.
"I think he'll get his knee scoped tomorrow by Dr. (Jon) Browne in Kansas City," coach Dick Vermeil said. "He'll be back here on Wednesday if everything goes right. I think he'll be back on the field ready to go back to work in two or three weeks."
Peterson said he was not worried that Shields might miss what he intends to be his final season. An arthritic condition at the base of his back has been causing discomfort.
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