Justin Houston (Photo : Reuters/John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports)
The Kansas City Chiefs signed Justin Houston to the richest deal for a linebacker in NFL history, which is for six years at $101 million with $52.5 million guaranteed.
With the deal, Houston also became the NFL's second-highest-paid defensive player in terms of guaranteed money.
Miami Dolphins tackle Ndamukong Suh owns the biggest deal for an NFL defensive player with his at six-year, $114 million deal with $59.95 million guaranteed money.
The 26-year-old Houston had league's highest sacks last season with 22, which was also just a half-sack behind the NFL's single-season record set by Michael Strahan of the New York Giants in 2001.
As of March, the Chiefs were nowhere close to signing Houston to a long-term deal and were obligated to tender a one-year, $13.2 million contract since he was their designated franchise player.
Houston didn't sign and skipped all of the team's offseason sessions.
Chiefs general manager John Dorsey knew that because of Houston's all-around abilities, the process ofsigning the superstar will take time and patience.
Dorsey said that with a player of Houston's magnitude, they have to provide a "deal of this magnitude."
The Chiefs general manager described Houston as one of NFL's top players and a premier pass-rusher.
Dorsey explained that opposing offensive tackles will have to worry not only about Houston's strength and power, but also his explosiveness around the edge.
He added that he liked the way Houston consistently hustles to the ball and that there's a nice improvement in his run defense.
While Houston was deemed one of the top linebackers in the 2011 draft, a failed a combine drug test for marijuana caused his stock to slide with the Chiefs ending up taking him in the third round.
Interestingly, the test is called an "intelligence test" because players invited to the combine were made aware of the test and no one is expected to fail it.
The 6-foot-3, 258-pound Houston only made roughly $3 million in his rookie year but provided 235 tackles, 48.5 sacks and five fumble recoveries.
He increased his sack totals in each season.
Chief coach Andy Reid Houston is a fearless competitor, has a relentless work ethic and provides tremendous leadership.
