The Kansas City Chiefs may not be in the best cap situation heading into free agency, but they made sure that Pro Bowl linebacker Justin Houston will not hit the open market.
Game of tag is underway: Chiefs officially placed their franchise tag on LB Justin Houston, per team source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 2, 2015
In reportedly placing the franchise tag on Houston, the Chiefs have taken Houston off the open market. This also means that the former third-round pick will earn $13.2 million in 2015 barring a long-term extension.
The Georgia product produced a league-leading 22 sacks during the 2014 season—a total that came within a half sack of Michael Strahan’s single-season NFL record.
Currently just $4.1 million under the cap, Kansas City will now have to shed over $9 million off its cap. The likeliest scenario here is for the team to release Tamba Hali, who is set to count nearly $12 million against the cap in 2015.
It’s a small price to pay to retain a player that has recorded 48.5 sacks in just four NFL seasons. However, Hali’s importance to the Chiefs will not go unnoticed should they be forced to cut ties with him.
In relation to Houston, look for the two sides continue negotiations on a long-term solution.
Photo: USA Today