In case you missed it, the Kansas City Chiefs signed linebacker Justin Houston to a mammoth six-year deal worth $101 million. Houston is deserving of such a contract after leading the NFL in sacks last year with 22.0 and averaging 1.0 sacks a game since the start of the 2012 season. You just don't find consistent production like that everyday.
But the impact of his contract may reach further than just Kansas City. Every marquee defensive player in the NFL will be looking at that deal as a benchmark going forward which may make it difficult for their current teams to re-sign them.
"Houston's $101 million deal might be the most important contract signed this year," ESPN's John Clayton wrote. "Clay Matthews of the Green Bay Packers had been the highest paid 3-4 outside linebacker at $13.2 million a year. Houston was able to convince the Chiefs to treat him like a play-making pass-rusher instead of just a 3-4 OLB. That concession allowed Houston to top Mario Williams' $16-million-per-year deal and J.J. Watt's six-year, $100 million contract. While that's great for Houston, it could make it tougher for the Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers to extend the contracts of Von Miller (second overall pick in 2011) and Aldon Smith (seventh overall pick), who can make similar arguments. You also wonder if 3-4 outside linebackers making quarterback money will slow down the escalation of teams switching to a 3-4 defense. Teams who hit on 3-4 outside linebackers might not be able to keep them. A few years ago, Terrell Suggs of the Baltimore Ravens had to file a grievance when he was tagged as a linebacker following a season in which he claimed more than 50 percent of his snaps came along the defensive line rushing the quarterback. Houston used that argument to his benefit - and may have changed the way 3-4 OLBs are paid for good."
Miller and Smith are both deserving of significant extensions. Miller collected 14.0 sacks last season while playing very well in coverage, putting to bed some questions that lingered from his banned-substance suspension in 2013. Smith has run into some off field troubles of late, but has 44.0 sacks in 50 career games. When on the field he has proven to be a difference maker for San Fran's defense.
But both players may choose to play hardball in negotiations in an attempt to get a similar deal as Houston. Will their respective teams respond accordingly?
