Chiefs defensive end Justin Houston has always been a good pass rusher, but he’s picking a great time to have his best season.
Through seven games, Houston has 10.0 sacks this season. That puts him on pace for 23 this season, which would break Michael Strahan’s NFL record of 22.5. That’s particularly good news for Houston and his agent, given that he becomes a free agent after the season.
Houston, however, says he’s not thinking about that.
“I’ll worry about that at the end of the season,” Houston told the Kansas City Star. “I can’t let that get in my head at all. I don’t want it to slow me or affect what I’m doing on the field. I just want to continue play as I’m playing and continue to make plays.”
If Houston doesn’t reach a long-term deal with the Chiefs by March, he’ll surely be franchised. For this season the franchise salary for defensive ends was $13.1 million, which means Houston is surely going to be paid very well in 2015. He’s earning it.
