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2016 NFL Free Agency Profile: Justin Houston

By Erik Lambert

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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

He’s one of the two or three best pass rushers in pro football, so it was no surprise Justin Houston was given the franchise tag by the Kansas City Chiefs.  The bigger question is can they find the cap space to lock him up long-term before 2016 NFL free agency arrives?

  • Age: 26
  • 234 tackles
  • 48.5 sacks
  • 19 passes defended
  • 7 forced fumbles
  • 1 interception
  • 1 safety
  • 3x Pro Bowler

With each successive season, people are left wondering more and more how in the world Houston lasted until the 3rd round of the 2011 draft.  Then again that shouldn’t be a surprise since J.J. Watt, the only notable rusher who can be considered better in that same span, wasn’t even a top 10 pick.  Regardless, Houston pretty much has all the bargaining power heading into 2015.

If he stays healthy and continues playing at the level he has the past three years, there is little question he’ll demand figures similar to Watt in the $100 million range.  The issue will be whether the Chiefs can afford the price.  The good news is they could have upwards of $48 million in cap space next year.  The bad news is they’ll have a ton of other free agents to address including Sean Smith, Eric Berry, Derrick Johnson, Tamba Hali and Tyvon Branch.

Some sacrifices may have to be made if they want to ensure their best player remains in red and white.  All signs indicate Houston wishes to stay, but his current holdout also points to the willingness to leave if pushed that far.  Time will tell whether the Chiefs try to play hard ball or if they look to lock him up quickly.

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