Update:
A new report has emerged from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero that Houston’s release has not yet happened, but it could be coming eventually. Pelissero says the Chiefs are still working with potential trade partners on a deal for Houston.
Update 2:
Another report from the Kansas City Star’s Brooke Pryor confirms Pelissero’s report. The Chiefs have yet to release Houston.
Following the 2019 NFL combine, the Chiefs had a decision to make regarding the future of the franchise at the edge rusher position. It appears they’ve made their final decision.
According to a report from FanSided’s Matt Verderame, the Chiefs are releasing linebacker Justin Houston from his contract. Ahead of the combine there was a report that the Chiefs were listening to trade offers on Houston. Chiefs GM Brett Veach also confirmed “a dialogue” surrounding Houston in his meetings with the press.
It appears the Chiefs were unable to find a suitable trade partner, likely because they knew the alternative was Houston’s release. With the franchise tag deadline coming on March 5, they needed to make a decision on Houston soon. They’ll want to know they can comfortably apply the tag to Dee Ford, which is the expected outcome at this point.
Releasing Houston means the Chiefs would get no compensation for him. He’ll quickly become one of the top pass rushers available on the open market. There will be a market for his services, but it will be for significantly less than the deal he signed after the 2014 season where he led the NFL in sacks with 22. It was a contract that made him the highest paid linebacker in NFL history at the time.
Houston finished the 2018 season with 12 games played, 37 tackles, 9.0 sacks, an interception and 5.0 forced fumbles.
