Next to the Miami Dolphins offseason signing of defensive tackle Ndamakong Suh, Kansas City linebacker Justin Houston is now the highest paid defensive player in the National Football League. Suh signed for a record $114 million , as the Inquisitr previously noted, while Houston re-upped today with the Chiefs for six-years and $101 million, of which $52.5 million is guaranteed , per ESPN .
Putting ?? to ? @JHouston50 solidifies the return of #SackCity to KC in long term deal: http://t.co/kWer4oK3aa pic.twitter.com/ZNKAomdrXv
— Kansas City Chiefs (@KCChiefs) July 15, 2015
Blessed to sign contract with the KC Chiefs. Thanks to my family #1 & my agents Joel Segal & @gbo74 for the awesome contract!
— Justin Houston (@JHouston50) July 15, 2015
Here’s Houston in his own words.
“They told me at the end of the season to be patient and we’ll get a deal done, just be [patient] and just wait and time will take care of it. That’s what I did. I sat back and waited for them.
To me it was very important. I like Coach (Andy) Reid a lot. He’s a great coach. He’s helped motivate me and pushed me to become a better player. Anytime you get around that kind of coach you love playing for him.”
Last season, the 26-year-old Houston led the NFL in sacks, with 22.
During his four professional seasons, the former third round pick out of the University of Georgia has recorded 48.5 sacks, has forced seven fumbles, and has one interception to his name.
Here are some immediate reactions from Twitter.
Justin Houston’s 6-year, $101M contract is the richest deal in Chiefs history and largest for ANY linebacker. pic.twitter.com/bvKXZ6Xnjy
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) July 15, 2015
Justin Houston said he wants to be known as one of the greats to play the game. Said that’s his motivation.
— Herbie Teope (@HerbieTeope) July 15, 2015
With a long term deal in place, Justin Houston is focused on one goal. https://t.co/zdOwrcAZZ3
— Kansas City Chiefs (@KCChiefs) July 15, 2015
Based on @RapSheet ‘s report of $20.5M Justin Houston signing bonus, KC should pick up around $8M of cap space with small ’15 base salary.
— Joel Corry (@corryjoel) July 15, 2015
Most Sacks, 2014: Justin Houston, 22 J.J. Watt, 20.5 Elvis Dumervil, 17 Mario Williams, 14.5 Connor Barwin, 14.5 pic.twitter.com/TW6Pz4GARQ
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) July 15, 2015
Good for Justin Houston. He’s a beast. Deserves to get paid.
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) July 15, 2015
Most disrupted dropbacks by LB, last 3 seasons Justin Houston 57.0 Connor Barwin 43.5 Von Miller 42.5 Clay Matthews 41.5
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 15, 2015
#Chiefs LB Justin Houston when he goes to sleep tonight: pic.twitter.com/CKxQ7tQlcZ
— NOT SportsCenter (@NOTSportsCenter) July 15, 2015
Justin Houston after signing his $101 million deal with the #Chiefs pic.twitter.com/kt5NUxyzCF
— SpongeBob Sports (@SpongeBobSports) July 15, 2015
I see you Justin Houston!!!!!
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) July 15, 2015
Justin Houston can get a lot of Best Buy gift cards.
— Carrington Harrison (@cdotharrison) July 15, 2015
Chiefs resigned Justin Houston, we are officially winning the off season
— Tim Jong IL (@TheTiimm) July 15, 2015
[Photo by Peter Aiken / Getty Images]
