All has been quiet on the John Henderson front since he didn’t visit the Chiefs just after April’s draft, but the free agent defensive tackle has finally found a new home.
Notorious collectors of former first-round picks, the Raiders have agreed to terms with Henderson -- the No. 9 overall selection in 2002 -- on a one-year contract, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Behind perhaps only O.J. Atogwe, Henderson is the premier defender on the free agent market. Henderson, 31, has lost much of his pass-rush ability, but remains a quality run stopper. He is also capable of playing both defensive end in a 3-4 defense and tackle in a 4-3. The Raiders have hinted that they will be using more 3-4 fronts by trading for outside linebackers Kamerion Wimbley and Quentin Groves, and drafting Nick Saban disciple Rolando McClain with the eighth overall pick.
At 6-foot-7 and 335 pounds, Henderson gives the Raiders an imposing bookend for 6-foot-6, 310-pounder Richard Seymour.
The Raiders, though, will probably still find a way to again rank among the NFL’s worst run defenses.