NFL Rumors: Kansas City Chiefs, Justin Houston working on contract extension

Nov 24, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) is sacked by Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) is sacked by Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs know what they have in linebacker Justin Houston and they don’t want anybody else to have such a luxury, which is why they’re reportedly working on a contract extension with the talented defender.

Despite suffering a nasty arm injury during the final weeks of the season, Houston still graded out as the top Pro Football Focus outside linebacker and should see a hefty raise off his rookie salary.

"Amid all the contract extensions going on, don’t forget about Justin Houston. The Chiefs certainly haven’t. Talks got rolling at combine"

The Chiefs do have some cap space, but it’s not enough to sign Houston to a deal and repair other issues so any deal would likely be of the backloaded variety where Houston gets paid a heftier sum towards the end of his contract.

There’s currently no talk of any potential financials nor any talk of deal length as the two sides appear to just be in the exploratory phase – though both sides appear to have interest in getting something done.