Kansas City Chiefs: Predicting the Starting Defensive Unit

Nov 16, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali (91) is congratulated by inside linebacker Josh Mauga (90) and outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) after making a sack against the Seattle Seahawks in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 24-20. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Led by a stout defensive line, extremely talented linebackers and an underrated secondary, the Kansas City Chiefs had one of the best defenses in the entire NFL last season. The Chiefs allowed only 330.5 total yards per game last season, which was the seventh lowest total in the entire league. Even more impressive was the Chiefs holding opposing offenses to only 17.6 points per game, tied for the second lowest point total in the NFL.

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Simply put, the Chiefs’ defense was impressive last season, and they are back to build on their success. A majority of the same players return, but their premier defensive player is a major question mark going forward.

Justin Houston emerged as one of the premier pass rushers in the league last season. Houston finished with an incredible 22 sacks on the 2014 season, trailing only Michael Strahan‘s NFL-record of 22.5 sacks. At 26-years-old, Houston is one of the most dynamic young players in the game, at any position. With his success, Houston is looking to get paid.

With his rookie contract running out this off season, and the two sides not being close on a long-term extension, the Chiefs slapped the franchise tag on Houston, who has yet to sign the tender. The Chiefs have until July 15th to workout a long-term deal with Houston. While I doubt he turns down the $13 million for the franchise tag to play this season with the Chiefs, if this gets to the July 15th deadline, his future in Kansas City is clearly in doubt.

The Chiefs have nice pass rushing depth which would allow them to survive without Houston, but he is a star player who makes a massive difference in their 3-4 defense. The drop off would certainly be felt throughout the unit.

All of that being said, I expect Houston to at least be in a Chiefs’ uniform for this upcoming season. Regardless of how he feels about the team, he is going to want to come out and perform so he can get paid next off season.

If the Chiefs can get Houston back with the team, this defense will be set-up for success once again in 2015.

Take a look at the Chiefs’ projected defensive starters for 2015.

Next: Defensive Line