Chiefs and Justin Houston talking, but no ‘significant’ progress has been made

While contract negotiations between Justin Houston’s representative and the Chiefs continue, significant progress on an extension still has not been made, a source confirmed to The Star on Thursday.

Pro Football Talk reported the news first.

Houston, who was franchise-tagged by the team during the offseason, is skipping organized team activities for the second consecutive season. He is seeking a long-term contract extension and has not signed his one-year nonexclusive franchise tender, which would pay him a salary of $13.1 million for 2015.

By signing the one-year franchise tender, Houston would be under contract and be required to attend organized team activities and the Chiefs’ offseason program.

But by holding off, Houston can not only skip OTAs, he can also skip training camp and the preseason, return shortly before the regular season and still receive his full franchise salary.

Houston could also hold out for the first part of the season, return before week 10 and still earn an accrued season toward free agency.

The Chiefs, for their part, have the option of rescinding the tender on Houston, but that would make him an unrestricted free agent.

The two sides still have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal. Otherwise, Houston would have to play the 2015 season under the tag to earn an accrued year. The Chiefs have the option of franchising Houston in 2016 for 120 percent of his 2015 salary.

As a nonexclusive franchise player, Houston can also seek out a contract from any other club. However, the Chiefs would have the option to match the contract. If they choose not to do so, the Chiefs would then receive first-round picks in 2016 and 2017 from the team that signs Houston.

Outside linebacker Tamba Hali — who has spoken with Houston — said a week ago that his teammate and friend is eager to get back to football.

Meanwhile, coach Andy Reid, general manager John Dorsey and chairman Clark Hunt have consistently been optimistic regarding Houston’s future in Kansas City.

At the start of the Chiefs’ offseason workout program in mid-April, Reid said he’s confident both sides “will come to a number that’s good for both sides” and that “it will all work out.”

On Thursday, he was asked if he still believed that.

“I still feel the same way,” Reid said.

This story was originally published June 4, 2015 at 11:17 AM with the headline "Chiefs and Justin Houston talking, but no ‘significant’ progress has been made."