The Kansas City Chiefs have released veteran linebacker Justin Houston after they were unable to work out a trade, freeing up $14 million in much-needed salary cap space. Houston signed a $101 million, six-year deal with the Chiefs in 2015 that was at the time a record for a defensive player. He was due $15.25 million this season. Houston leaves Kansas City having started 96 games and appearing in 102 over eight seasons. He had 78½ sacks to trail only Derrick Thomas, Tamba Hali and Neil Smith in franchise history.