According to Jason Cole of the Bleacher Report, the Chiefs are going to get a long-term done with free agent DE Justin Houston at some point.
Apparently, there was some speculation that Kansas City didn’t like his work ethic or personality, but Cole says that it’s just the opposite.
“They really like Houston. They feel like they are investing in a player for the long-term They feel like it’s money well spent and not a risk,” Cole said. “And that is the critical issue with Justin Houston. And that’s why a deal is going to get done.”
Cole mentions that from what he’s hearing, Houston is unlikely to secure a deal that would pay him more than Texans DE J.J. Watt, who signed a eight-year, $108.88 million contract that included $51.8 million guaranteed.
However, Cole believes Houston could still come away with more than Rams DE Robert Quinn‘s new deal — four-years, $66.575 million and $41.268 million guaranteed.
It’s not surprising to hear some speculation that Houston could have his eyes on Watt’s contract given that he’s in the midst of a great season and will be an unrestricted free agent next year. It’s not all that common for a player like Houston to be in position to test the free agent market, so the Chiefs will have to pay him a market-value contract or use their franchise tag on him.
Last we heard regarding Houston and the Chiefs, Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports reported that the two sides are “worlds apart” in negotiations.
According to Getlin, the two sides have been discussing a contract extension for nearly a year now, but it appears as though Houston with either reach the open market or be franchised following the season.
Should the Chiefs elect to franchise Houston, it would cost Kansas City close to $13.116 million.
Houston, 25, has recorded 37 tackles, 12 sacks, one forced fumble and a pass defense heading into Week 11’s game. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 1 outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense this year
We have Houston listed as the No. 4 player in our Top 25 – 2015 Free Agents list.
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