Chiefs Releasing OLB Justin Houston

March 10, 2019

Adam Schefter reports that the Chiefs are releasing veteran OLB Justin Houston on Sunday.

The Chiefs have already confirmed the news and issued the following statement:

“Over the last eight seasons we’ve had the ability to watch Justin grow into a leader on and off the playing field,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. “His passion helped him become one the most successful pass rushers in franchise history. We appreciate his contributions to our team and community and he’ll always be considered a part of the Chiefs family.”

“I’ve been fortunate to get to know Justin over the last six seasons, and not only is he a talented football player, but he’s a tremendous person,” HC Andy Reid said. “He really helped set the tone, and I appreciate the work he put in with us. I wish him the best as he continues his career.”

“Justin has made a lasting impact on this franchise and I can’t thank him enough for his contributions over the years,” Chiefs GM Brett Veach said. “These decisions are never easy. I have a great deal of respect for Justin as a player and person and I wish him and his family the best moving forward.”

Reports from the past few weeks mentioned that Houston’s time in Kansas City was in doubt and that the Chiefs had made him available for trade.

However, it appears as though no trade ever surfaced and the Chiefs will now move on and franchise Dee Ford.

Houston, 30, is a former third-round pick of the Chiefs back in 2011. He’s currently in the fifth year of his six-year, $101 million contract that included $52.5 million guaranteed and stands to make base salaries of $15.25 million and $17 million over the next two years.

According to OverTheCap.com, releasing Houston will free up $14 million of available cap space while creating $7.1 million in dead money.

In 2018, Houston appeared in 12 games for the Chiefs and recorded 37 tackles, nine sacks, an interception, five forced fumbles and a pass defense. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 14 edge rusher out of 103 qualifying players.