Report: “Huge” Gap Exists Between Chiefs & OLB Justin Houston

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, citing a league source, reports that a “huge” gap exists between the Chiefs’ current offer and OLB Justin Houston‘s contractual demands.

• Florio mentions that it remains unclear as to what it would take to bridge this gap.

Houston was reportedly considering a holdout, but the fact that he could receive up to $30,000 per day in fines likely played a role in his decision to report to training camp.

Houston, 25, is in line for a sizable contract after producing back-to-back seasons with at least 10 sacks, despite the fact that he’s set to make just $645,000 for the 2014 season.

The Chiefs got an absolute steal when they drafted him at No. 70 overall in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Outside linebackers have fared well on the open market in recent years, so I’m sure Houston could secure a similar contract to that of Browns OLB Paul Kruger who signed a five-year, $40.5 million contract that included $20 million guaranteed last year.

Kansas City took Auburn OLB Dee Ford in the first-round of this year’s draft, which was probably a smart move given that Houston is clearly targeting a huge contract and they still have to figure out what they’re going to do with QB Alex Smith.

Last year, Houston totaled 44 tackles, 11 sacks, a forced fumble and two recoveries over the course of just 11 games.