Brandon Flowers, Justin Houston Absent From First Day Of OTAs

Today was the first day of voluntary OTAs for the Kansas City Chiefs this afternoon. Emphasis on “voluntary.”

Let the business of football begin.

Justin Houston is in the final year of his contract and is rumored to be working on a new deal with the Chiefs. John Dorsey mentioned at the NFL Combine the team and Houston were exploring a new contract. It would make sense for both Houston and the team to get a deal done now before the start of the season.

One would expect a new deal for Houston to be very lucrative. Clay Matthews and Tamba Hali have to two highest total value contracts in football for 34 outside linebackers. One would assume Houston’s new deal would rival the $66 million ($20.5 million guaranteed) Matthews earned. Though it should be noted Matthews was a far more accomplished player when he earned his deal. Maybe a deal closer to Hali’s $57.5 million ($16 million guaranteed) is closer to Houston’s neighborhood.

The reasoning for Flowers being out is a little less clear. He is owed. $30 million $18 million in salary and $6.75 million in bonuses over the next three seasons. One would think that is pretty fair value for Flowers, especially since the Chiefs do not have much room to work with to give him more money.

These are situations to keep an eye on but do remember these OTAs are voluntary. We’ll know about how serious Houston is about getting a new contract and what it is Flowers once by the time mandatory minicamp starts in June. Until then there is very little to panic about. If anything, it guarantees Houston or Flowers can’t get hurt in a meaningless practice.

In addition to Houston and Flowers, De’Anthony Thomas (school) and Kyle Williams (injury) were also absent from today’s workout.