The Kansas City Chiefs and outside linebacker Justin Houston would both be better off with a long-term deal. The Chiefs would have the best pass-rusher in football locked up for years, while Houston would have security and financial freedom for the rest of his life.
Yet, for whatever reason, the two sides have been unable to come to a deal. Currently, Houston has a franchise tender at $13.1 million (fully guaranteed) for 2015 which he has not signed yet. If Kansas City and the sack artist don’t come to an agreement before Wednesday’s deadline of 3 p.m. CST, Houston will be forced to either sit out or play on a one-year deal.
So, where are general manager John Dorsey and Houston’s agent, Joel Segal, on negotiations?
Jason Cole of Bleacher Report said the following on July 10:
Outside of Cole, nobody seems to have any clue. Unlike the situations with the Denver Broncos and Dallas Cowboys regarding Demaryius Thomas and Dez Bryant, respectively, there has been little news (in case you missed it, the NFLPA is looking at both franchises for possible collusion on these contract offers).
In all likelihood, Houston will skip most of training camp and come back for Week 1. However, Houston could hold out through the first 10 weeks of the season, forfeit his pay during that time, and then come back for the final six games and accrue another year toward free agency.
Should Houston play on the franchise tag, the Chiefs would have options at the end of the season. The two sides could negotiate a long-term deal and get this problem solved, or Kansas City can slap Houston with the franchise tag again. The salary would be 120 percent of what he’s paid now, making it approximately $15.72 million. While a large sum of money to swallow, it would be worth it considering the talent Houston possesses.