UPDATE: ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirms that the Chiefs are, indeed, releasing Houston.
The Kansas City Chiefs are releasing star linebacker Justin Houston, reports FanSided’s Matt Vederame.
The #Chiefs are releasing Justin Houston, per source.
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) March 4, 2019
This news comes after Vederame reported last week that the Chiefs were expected to part ways with Houston.
Houston, 30, still had two years remaining on the six-year, $101 million contract he signed with Kansas City back in 2015. The release carries $7.1 million in dead money for the 2019 season, while it saves the team $14 million against the cap.
The former third-round draft selection started all 12 of the games he played in last season, defending a pass while intercepting another. More importantly, Houston racked up 37 tackles, nine sacks, and 12 quarterback hits while forcing five fumbles.
Houston was drafted in 2011 and signed a four-year, $2.78 million contract upon being drafted. The team placed their franchise tag on Houston when his contract expired at the end of the 2014 season, but the two sides were able to come to an agreement on his six-year deal before his franchise tag kicked in, nullifying the tag.
Houston appeared in four straight Pro Bowls from 2012 through 2015 while also being named a First Team All-Pro following an impressive 2014 campaign.
Houston quickly becomes one the best (if not the best) outside linebackers on the market; the other best outside linebackers in free agency are Clay Matthews and Derrick Morgan.
Although Houston will certainly find a new home in the NFL soon, his time with the Chiefs appears to have come to an end.
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