CB signed; NFL Europa update

The Dolphins were awarded CB Derrick Johnson off of waivers from the Atlanta Falcons. Johnson (5'10", 186 lbs.) was a sixth-round draft pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 2005. He had a relatively productive rookie season, playing in 14 games and starting 5. That year, he recorded 36 tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery, and 7 passes defensed. He returned the fumble recovery for a touchdown. The 49ers waived him before the beginning of the 2006 season. He then was picked up by the Houston Texans, where he played in 3 games and recorded one tackle. Later that season, he was picked up by the Atlanta Falcons. In Atlanta, he appeared in two games, but did not register any stats. Johnson spent the final five games of last season on IR after breaking his arm. He played in a reserve/special teams role for Houston and Atlanta.

After a productive rookie season from a sixth-round draft pick, it's curious as to why he was waived by the 49ers before his second season. In the wake of Andre' Goodman's shoulder surgery, this signing provides the secondary with some additional depth in case Goodman isn't ready to go by training camp. Johnson might even be able to win a spot on the roster as a backup and special-teams player.

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Here's an update on how our four NFL Europa players are doing:

* DT Steve Fifita, Frankfurt
Played in 5 games, started 1
10 tackles, 1 sack

* DB Shirdonya Mitchell, Frankfurt
Started all 5 games
14 tackles, 7 passes defensed, 1 INT returned 81 yards for a TD

* WR P.K. Sam, Rhein
Played in 5 games, started 4
leads team with 15 catches for 274 yards
named Offensive Player of the Week

* DT Kevin Vickerson, Cologne
Started all 5 games
15 tackles, 1.5 sacks