It seems highly unlikely that the Kansas City Chiefs are going to keep both Dee Ford and Justin Houston this spring.
Ford is coming off a career-best season and is slated to hit free agency. Younger than his more veteran counterpart, it makes sense for Kansas City to keep the Pro Bowler around.
Now, according to this report from NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Kansas City has had dialogue with multiple teams about trading the above-mentioned Houston.
Sources: The #Chiefs have had trade talks centered around star pass-rusher Justin Houston. With Houston’s cap number and the potential to franchise tag Dee Ford, Houston appears to be a rare top pass-rusher available. Teams have been calling with real interest.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 28, 2019
At 30 years old, Houston is coming off a 2018 campaign that saw him record nine sacks and five forced fumbles. The four-time Pro Bowler also registered 12 quarterback hits.
Not in the greatest of cap situations, Kansas City can save $14 million against the cap by releasing or trading Houston.
Given what it will cost to retain Ford, this makes sense. In fact, we previously predicted that Houston could be a cap casualty. If a trade can’t be worked out, look for that to happen.