Kansas City Chiefs: Justin Houston tenure with Chiefs comes to a close
The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly planning to release linebacker JustinHouston, per Matt Verderame. The move isn’t a surprise to anyone, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t sad for Chiefs Kingdom.
When the Kansas City Chiefs drafted Justin Houston in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft, it was a downright steal. Houston had slid due to some issues that occurred off the field, but he didn’t get into trouble as a professional.
In fact, Houston became one of the brightest stars on Kansas City’s defense, which was highlighted by his 22 sacks in 2014. That performance alone is what got Houston a mega contract with the Chiefs and the deal did not go according to plan.
After signing a six-year deal worth $101 million, Houston struggled to stay healthy. He did not play in all 16 games in any season after getting that contract and that simply can’t happen when a player is making that much money.
The #Chiefs are releasing Justin Houston, per source.
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) March 4, 2019
Houston had a decent season in 2018, playing in 12 games and recording nine sacks. Still – He was due $15 million in 2019 and $17 million in 2020, per Spotrac. The cap hit is roughly $7 million, so this isn’t a crazy move for the Chiefs to make.
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Between trying to re-sign key players, bringing in free agents, and needing money to sign their future rookies, the Kansas City Chiefs were painted into a corner. This was a move that is tough to make, but at the end of the day, it made sense for the Chiefs to make it.
Houston should have little problem finding a new home. Yes, he’s struggled with injuries over the past four years, but he’s still a guy who can get to the quarterback and that’s a big part of what teams covet in their defensive players.
With the Chiefs bringing in Steve Spagnuolo, questions were swirling about whether Houston would fit with the scheme next season. They’re also planning on slapping Dee Ford with the franchise tag and that’s another reason Houston won’t be sticking around.
When looking back at Justin Houston’s career, fans will remember him fondly. He was great as a rookie in 2011, but really came into his own in 2012 and 2013, notching double digit sacks both years. We mentioned the 2014 season, of course, and that’s why the Chiefs were in this situation in the first place.
dark. Next. All-Time Chiefs Leaders in Sacks
Houston was worthy of that contract at the time, but he went on to total 30 sacks in the four years after signing the deal. He played in just 43 games over those four seasons also, which didn’t help his cause.
This move isn’t surprising, but it still stings for Chiefs fans. Justin Houston, when healthy, was a lot of fun to watch and hopefully he goes somewhere outside of the AFC so that the Chiefs don’t have to face him much.