Despite falling just a half sack short of the NFL single-season record, Justin Houston remains one of the most overlooked stars in the NFL -- as evidenced by his No. 27 ranking in the 2015 Top 100 list.
The Kansas City Chiefs franchise tagged the outside linebacker, who skipped offseason workouts trying to get a new contract. The July 15 deadline for tagged players to get a long-term contract approaches this week.
When he eventually returns to the field for the Chiefs this season, Houston believes he and teammate Tamba Hali will make up the best pass-rushing duo in the NFL.
"I'd say so. I think everybody should think the same way," Houston told the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer's Hayes Rule at a charity event. "I think you should think that as an NFL player, think you're the best and believe you're the best. I really do think we are."
Houston hit the nail on the head: every pass-rushing duo should think they are the best. Players in Denver, Baltimore, St. Louis and Buffalo, to name four, all likely have similar beliefs.
Houston is a vital cog for a Chiefs team that relies on pressuring the quarterback with a stout front seven. There have been no indications a deal will get done by Wednesday's deadline, but coach Andy Reid was hopeful last month Houston wouldn't sit out training camp without a deal.
The 26-year-old has earned a long-term deal -- and coming off a league-leading season -- is smart to try and leverage the most money he can. If that number dipped to, say, 12 or so in 2015, the Chiefs would surely use that in negotiations.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast breaks down the latest news surrounding Jason Pierre-Paul's injury, as well as the Mettenberger and Watt feud.
