Justin Houston contract: Chiefs still working
At this point, you all know the deal. The Kansas City Chiefs slapped the franchise tag on outside linebacker Justin Houston this offseason, guaranteeing him $13.1 million for 2015 should he sign the tender. However, the two sides can agree on a long-term deal, but not after 3 p.m. CST today.
So, where do things stand?
This morning, we have heard rumors coming out but nothing concrete. On SportsCenter, Houston’s contract situation was brought up and discussed as the most likely to get done of all the franchised players. On Tuesday night, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport made the same statement on Twitter.
Of all franchise tag situations, Justin Houston & #Chiefs have the most optimism. Nothing is certain, but they have made a big commitment
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 14, 2015
On Wednesday, CBS NFL insider Jason La Canfora had the following to say:
Chiefs and Justin Houston still working away at a long-term deal. Could go down to the wire for the franchise player
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) July 15, 2015
The good news, and most important news, is that the two sides are clearly motivated to get this deal done. Rapoport was on NFL Network last night and said his sources tell him the Chiefs re willing to go above $14.5 million per year on a long-term deal. If nothing else, that shows Houston he is wanted and is a great starting point.
If the talk is true about Houston wanting a J.J. Watt-like deal, his contract was six years and $100 million, which comes to just over $16 million per year. This would not be an outrageous gap to bridge with so much riding on this contract.
General manager John Dorsey has time, but the hourglass is certainly running quite low on sand at the moment. Color me optimistic, but this is an anxious moment to say the least.