As a restricted free agent working off of a one-year tender, Derrick Johnson has plenty of reasons to become a starter in 2010. If he does well with significant playing time, he'll be looking to land his second contract in the NFL, which is generally the most lucrative.
DJ recognizes that and once again says he wants to start.
"I'm on a mission -- I want to start," he said. "Training camp is where it gets important, so I'll keep my mouth shut until then. If I can stay healthy, I have to get on the field."
Those words are similar to what he said back in April.
"I want to be the best football player I can be in 2010, if I'm with the Chiefs or not,'' he said. "I love being a Chief, but last year my playing time wavered a little bit. I like playing and being part of the defense more than I like being a Chief. I like starting."
He doesn't seem like the type of person to make a lot of noise but if he's not a starter by camp, this is a situation to keep an eye on.
(H/T LHO for the link)