Fansided

NFL Rankings: 10 Best Linebackers in the League

By Phil Watson

Dec 22, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) reacts in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Saint 17-13 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) reacts in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Saint 17-13 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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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 /

. Kansas City Chiefs. Justin Houston. 9. player. 124.

Justin Houston has only been in the league three years, but he’s already a two-time Pro Bowler.

Houston, a third-round pick out of Georgia in 2011 by the Chiefs, had 11 sacks in just 11 games last season to go with 44 tackles, four pass breakups and a forced fumble.

In three seasons, Houston has 26½ sacks. He became a full-time starter as a rookie, starting the final 10 games of the season. He averaged a sack per game last year, missing the final five games of the regular season because of a sprained elbow.

Houston came back to record a sack and four tackles in Kansas City’s wild-card playoff loss at Indianapolis.

Embroiled in talks with the Chiefs for a new contract, Houston opted to come to camp and go to work this summer. In fact, he’s much more concerned about the team on the field in 2014.

“Recalling from what we did last year, we didn’t finish last year,” Houston told Kansas First News. “Even the playoff game, we had a great start, but we didn’t finish the game. So hopefully everybody still has that taste in their mouth and they want to get rid of it.”

If he keeps producing like he has been, the contract will likely take care of itself.

Next: From Dallas to Denver

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