1. Timing was right for Justin Houston's new contract with Chiefs

By Vahe Gregorian - Kansas City Star

"In the process of enhancing their prospects for the immediate future and further bolstering the goodwill and credibility of a newish regime suddenly preparing for its third season, the Chiefs made good on making Houston whole after the four-year bargain they enjoyed.

No doubt they could have spent millions less to extend Houston a year ago, before he led the NFL and broke Derrick Thomas' franchise record with 22 sacks.

But they wouldn't have been spending with the same conviction that Houston, 26, is a cornerstone of the team, either."    READ MORE…

Justin Houston Highlights

2. Chiefs should get their money's worth from big Justin Houston contract

By Adam Teicher - ESPN

" Justin Houston just signed the richest contract awarded by the Kansas City Chiefs and the most lucrative given to a linebacker in NFL history.

Good for Houston. If anyone is deserving, it's him. He led the NFL with 22 sacks last season and, having turned 26 last winter, should have many good seasons ahead.

This was a bet the Chiefs had to make.

The Chiefs see an opening in the AFC West, one that hasn't existed since the Denver Broncos acquired quarterback Peyton Manning three years ago. The division championship is in play for the Chiefs in a way it hasn't been since Manning was a member of the Indianapolis Colts."    READ MORE…

3. Kansas City Chiefs Sign Linebacker Justin Houston

By Communications - KCChiefs.com

"The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Wednesday that the club has signed linebacker Justin Houston to a long-term contract. Terms of the contract were not disclosed by the club.

"Today we were able to reach an agreement with Justin and his agent, Joel Segal, to keep him here in Kansas City for the foreseeable future," Chiefs General Manager John Dorsey said. "He's one of the top players in the National Football League and a premier pass rusher. As we've said from the beginning, Justin the football player, and the person, is someone we wanted to be a part of our organization. We are very happy that he will remain a member of the Chiefs."

"John, Joel and their staffs did a great job of getting this deal done," Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid said. "Justin has a relentless work ethic on the field and in the classroom, and he provides our team with tremendous leadership. He is a fearless competitor, and we are glad he is going to be back.""    READ MORE…

4. Ranking the top-five pass-rushing duos

By John Clayton - ESPN

"1. Houston-Hali As Houston has grown, so has the Chiefs' defensive. In their four seasons together, Houston's sack numbers have increased each season -- 5.5 as a rookie, 10 in Year 2, 11 in 2013 and 22 last year. And it's no surprise that the more Houston reached the quarterback, the fewer points KC allowed. Opponents' points per game dropped from 26.6 in 2012 to 19.1 in 2013 to 17.6 last year.

The Chiefs learned his value when he missed the final five games of the 2013 season, allowing 25.2 points and 405 yards per game without him."    READ MORE…

5. Don't expect Justin Houston to tank after getting big contract

By Adam Teicher - ESPN

"It was a matter of time before Houston busted out. He had 26 sacks in 37 starts during his first three NFL season and in that light, it made sense a healthy Houston would have a big year for the Chiefs last season.

His preparation is a reason why. Houston keeps himself in impeccable physical condition. That's not a guarantee of great performance on game day, but it is an indication of Houston's hunger to excel."    READ MORE…

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