Justin Houston isn't scheduled to hit the free agent market until next season, but that may not stop the outside linebacker from getting a long-term extension this offseason. Houston and the Chiefs began extension talks at the combine, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.
Chiefs, Justin Houston discussing a contract extension
Coming off back-to-back double-digit sack seasons, Houston may cash in this offseason.
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As a young and productive pass rusher, Houston could be in line for one of the larger non-quarterback contracts since the new collective bargaining agreement went into place. Teams will often pay a premium for sacks on the free agent market. Houston has one season remaining on his rookie contract, and if the Chiefs want to lock up a centerpiece to their defense this offseason, it will certainly cost them.
Kansas City selected Houston in the third round of the 2011 draft and the pick paid dividends from the start. In three NFL seasons, Houston has developed into one of -- if not the -- most productive 3-4 outside linebackers. He racked up 166 tackles and 26.5 sacks in 43 NFL games. He was in the midst of a career season last year before an elbow injury cost him the five regular season games. Including the playoff game against the Colts, Houston finished the season with 12.0 sacks and five pass deflections in 12 games. That was good enough to earn him the second Pro Bowl nod of his career, and top honors from Pro Football Focus. Houston finished the season with a plus-31.8 grade, according to PFF, the highest of any 3-4 outside linebacker. According to PFF, Houston finished the season with 42 quarterback hurries, the fourth most among 3-4 outside linebackers. An impressive feat considering he missed nearly a third of the regular season.
Last season, Houston combined with veteran Tamba Hali to give the Chiefs a dominant one-two punch of pass rushers. Hali makes an average of $11.5 million, according to OverTheCap.com, but the pairing worked because Houston made less than $600,000 last season on his rookie contract. Now, with free agency less than a year away, the Chiefs will have to decide just how many resources they can devote to their pass rush. Hali will turn 31 next season and has two seasons remaining on his contract. By locking up Houston this offseason, Kansas City can position itself to have at least one dominant pass rusher for the foreseeable future. Kansas City would have a lot invested in the duo for the next two seasons, but Hali would come off the books following the 2015 season.
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In order to secure Houston long-term the Chiefs will, at a minimum, have to hand out a contract worth $8 million per season. Paul Kruger signed a five-year deal worth $40.5 million last season, including $20 million guaranteed. Kruger was a full two years older than Houston is now and had no where near the career production. Kruger tallied 15.5 regular season sacks during his first four seasons. That's 11.0 fewer sacks than Houston has through three seasons. Kruger's deal likely provides a minimum baseline for Houston, with the contracts of Lamarr Woodley and Clay Matthews better comps. Matthews is the highest paid 3-4 outside linebacker, with an average salary of $13.2 million per season. Woodley signed a six-year, $61.5 million deal in 2011. Based on other deals, Houston could be in line for a five-year deal worth in the range of $55 million with at least $20 million guaranteed.
The timing of a potential extension could be interesting and possibly have a significant impact on the overall value. Houston is scheduled to make $1.364 million in base salary next season. That’s only slightly less than what he made in base salary during his first three seasons combined. In a sport with non-guaranteed contracts, there is significant incentive for Houston to sign a new deal sooner rather than later. That said, he may want to wait until a few dominoes fall in free agency. The big one will be the status of pending free agent Brian Orakpo. Orakpo’s production is similar to Houston’s. He is, however, two years older and has suffered a pair of serious injuries during his career. Whatever deal Orakpo signs could become the new baseline for Houston.
An extension makes sense for both sides. Houston will secure his first major payday without having to risk injury next season. The Chiefs can lock up a core piece of their defense long term. The happiest party of all might be Houston’s agent, who is about to get a small percentage of a very large contract.
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