There was some speculation that the Kansas City Chiefs might trade outside linebacker Justin Houston. Instead, they have surprisingly decided to release the 30-year-old defender, according to a report from Matt Verderame of Fansided.
The #Chiefs are releasing Justin Houston, per source.
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) March 4, 2019
Houston could be a target of the San Francisco 49ers, who would benefit from the pass rusher. He has accumulated nine-or-more sacks in each of his past two seasons with the Chiefs. Houston's best season by far came in 2014 when he brought down opposing quarterbacks a league-leading 22 times. He is a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was named a first-team All-Pro in 2014.
Houston signed a six-year contract with the Chiefs in 2015 and was due over $32 million in base salary over the next two seasons. His release would eliminate that commitment by any team looking to trade for the linebacker. Of course, it also allows him to pick the destination of his choosing.
You had to know that was coming once they started shopping him around. No one was going to trade for that contract. He's still productive, still disruptive. The #49ers should be calling his agent as soon as (see also: just before) it's official. #49wz https://t.co/92kPcRfloS
— Aaron Erickson (@EricksonAaron44) March 4, 2019
Houston's pass rush grade ranked fifth in the NFL last season, according to Pro Football Focus. He had 53 pressures last season through 12 games.
Kansas City made Houston a third-round selection out of Georgia in 2011. He registered 37 combined tackles, nine sacks, a pass defensed, an interception, and five forced fumbles with the Chiefs in 2018. Houston has recorded 382 combined tackles, 78.5 sacks, a safety, 32 passes defensed, four interceptions, a touchdown, and 14 forced fumbles through his eight NFL seasons.