Kansas City Chiefs: Five Takeaways From OTAs

Oct 26, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) celebrates after sacking St. Louis Rams quarterback Austin Davis (9) (not pictured) during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 34-7. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Although it’s not necessarily a surprise, the news that Justin Houston is holding out and has not attended OTAs is still disappointing for Chiefs’ fans.

Houston’s holdout, like most, stems from a contract dispute. His Pro Bowl 2014 season, which resulted in 22 sacks, just .5 short of Michael Strahan’s single-season record, certainly gives him some contract leverage.

It was the final year in his rookie contract, and the Chiefs slapped the franchise tag on him this season, which will result in a hefty $13 million payday. A nice amount of money for sure, but a Bleacher Report article said that the Miami Dolphins signing of Ndamukong Suh has played a role in how much Houston wants.

Suh signed the highest non-quarterback contract in NFL history, agreeing to a six-year, $114 million deal. That’s $6 million per year more than the franchise tag payment.

Houston’s Pro Bowl teammate Tamba Hali told Chiefs Digest that even though the former Georgia standout isn’t with the team, he isn’t just sitting on the couch.

"“He’s working, he’s working his tail off,” Hali said. “Like any player he wants to be here, but we know our league is a business. You have to allow that business to work itself out. He wants to be here.”"

That sounds great, but if you are a Chiefs’ fan you want him working his tail off on the field.

Next: Avoiding The Injury Bug