Wednesday’s Pro Football Talk on NBCSN includes a discussion of the AFC West teams. As to the Chiefs, the question arose regarding the status of linebacker Justin Houston.
His rookie contract has expired, and no meaningful talks have occurred on a long-term deal. The only discussions have entailed numbers far lower than Houston believes he deserves -- and that was before he notched 22.0 sacks in 2014.
So what will happen? Look for the Chiefs to apply the franchise tag to Houston during the two-week window that opens on Monday. Then look for Houston to immediately sign the franchise tender, opting to play the year-to-year game that would force the Chiefs to give him a 20-percent raise in 2016 or let him walk -- and then a 44-percent raise in 2017 or let him walk.