San Francisco 49ers: 5 options for Reuben Foster insurance

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FOXBORO, MA – SEPTEMBER 07: Derrick Johnson #56 of the Kansas City Chiefs tackles James White #28 of the New England Patriots during the first quarter of their game at Gillette Stadium on September 7, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Derrick Johnson

This was only a potential option made possible recently when the Kansas City Chiefs decided to release veteran linebacker Derrick Johnson. Signing Johnson would have one quality largely in mind—leadership.

Johnson’s been in the league since 2005, is widely respected by his peers and has played at an elite level before. That presence could be a huge help to Foster, to have an established player at the same position in the locker room.

Of course Johnson is not that elite player he used to be. At 35 years old and coming off an Achilles injury, Johnson has clearly lost some explosiveness.

But that veteran experience is hard to come by, and considering Johnson has been one of the NFL’s top linebackers for the past decade, Foster has the potential to gain unique insight.

Johnson would have to be content with having a smaller role on the team, which would be a first. The signing would likely be at a reasonable price too, as it will probably come in the form a short-term deal.