The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly looking to part ways with Justin Houston, but any talk that they have released the star linebacker is premature.
A report on Monday claimed the Chiefs have informed Houston he is being cut, but Tom Pelissero of NFL Network says that is not the case. Rather, Kansas City is still trying to find a trade partner for the 30-year-old.
While it may happen eventually, sources say the #Chiefs have not released OLB Justin Houston, contrary to one report. They continue to have trade discussions involving Houston, on a day several pass rushers have been taken off the market with franchise tags.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 4, 2019
As Pelissero noted, several defensive linemen and pass-rushers were hit with the franchise tag on Monday. They include Frank Clark, DeMarcus Lawrence and Jadeveon Clowney. Pass-rushers are now at a serious premium this offseason, so it would be somewhat surprising if the Chiefs can’t find a way to trade Houston.
Houston has two years left on the six-year, $101 million deal he signed with the Chiefs, but he recorded nine sacks and five forced fumbles in just 12 games last season. While he’s clearly still capable of being an impact player, Kansas City probably doesn’t want to take on his $21.1 million salary cap hit for 2019. Releasing Houston would cost $7.1 million against the cap.
