Justin Houston: Gone in 691,200 seconds?
I don’t envy John Dorsey. He has an impossible task before him. He can’t sign Houston at all costs — there are other players and the organization’s future to consider. The Chiefs are flirting with serious contention in the AFC and have to capitalize on the little time they’ll have left with key holdovers from the past two regimes. Dorsey also has to be mindful of how he manages the cap situation going into the future. Too many mistakes on either end the spectrum could cut his tenure in Kansas City short.
If I were him, I’d clear my calendar over the next week and make every effort to get Houston signed before the deadline. If those efforts are unsuccessful, I’d get a contingency plan in place and be prepared for life without him starting in 2016. Teams that amass this volume of talent are forced to make tough personnel decisions all the time in the NFL. Dorsey should work his plan and make peace with that fact.
What are the odds (honestly) that Justin Houston would want to stick around after spending the entire year on the tag? The Chiefs have a No. 1 pick invested in Dee Ford. Tamba Hali’s in the twilight of his career, but they do have a capable body in his protégé Josh Martin (whom they appear to be high on). They can also look to the forthcoming NFL Draft for serviceable options to groom.
Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
It’s my hope, for all parties involved, that the two sides get this thing done before it’s too late. I have little faith that the Chiefs will be in better position to sign him after 2015. Another productive season only drives Houston’s asking price up. Kansas City’s in a favorable spot with the salary cap next year, but Eric Berry and Sean Smith will join Houston as pending free agents in the offseason.
Do you think the Chiefs will have another shot to get Houston signed if they can’t get the deal done by the 15th? What kind of contract offer would you make if you were in Dorsey’s shoes? Use the comment section below to chime in. As always, we appreciate your readership and support.
Until next time, Addicts!