Justin Houston finally narrowing down choices of new teams

Most would agree that former Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston is the best free agent left on the market after a week.

This isn’t surprising. The man is 30-years old with 78.5 sacks in his career. He’s topped at least nine each of the past two seasons. There’s every reason to think he still has plenty of gas in the tank and pass rushers are sought after like prized gold bricks in the NFL. So it’s little wonder his name tops most lists. Yet for whatever reason, he remains without a new home.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the buzz around him is finally starting to move. Apparently, Houston has narrowed his list of teams down to three. What isn’t for certain is what his primary motivations are. Is he aiming to get one more big payday before his age prevents that from happening down the road or is he hoping to join a contender that can get him a ring?

Only Houston can answer that. He’s already made a lot of money in his career. Over $71.5 million according to OverTheCap. One can argue he has made more than enough. Then again everybody knows how fast that money can disappear after a career ends. So players try to get every cent they can while the opportunity is there.

On the other hand, being 30 Houston knows his window to win a championship is closing. He suffered through the nearest miss of his career with the Chiefs last season. That may not sit well with him, knowing he got so close and may not get a chance to finish the job. Thus the speculation that he might be angling to join a contender. The question becomes which one if so?

There are plenty of possibilities from the ever-present New England Patriots to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts. Also don’t forget the Chicago Bears who have ties to him via head coach Matt Nagy, a former Chiefs offensive coordinator. His decision could alter the entire landscape.