Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports that there is a “real possibility” the Chiefs and impending free agent Justin Houston could be headed for a fight over his position if they use their franchise tag on him.
League sources tell Florio that Houston’s camp will examine his game film from this season to determine whether Houston lined up more as a defensive end or as a linebacker.
Years ago, Terrell Suggs filed a similar grievance after the Ravens franchised him, so there is actually a precedent for this specific situation. It’s worth noting, however, that the two sides were able to work out a compromise before it was heard by an arbitrator.
Jason Cole recently reported that the Chiefs are going to get a long-term done with Houston at some point.
“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 all that common for a player like Houston to be in position to test the free agent market, so the the franchise tag could be an attractive option for Kansas City if talks don’t progress.
Should the Chiefs elect to franchise Houston, it would cost Kansas City close to $13.116 million.
Houston, 25, has recorded 63 tackles, 18 sacks, three forced fumbles and four pass defenses heading into Week 17’s game. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 1 outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense this year by a wide margin.
We have Houston listed as the No. 4 player in our Top 25 – 2015 Free Agents list.
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