It was reported Monday that the Kansas City Chiefs are set to release outside linebacker Justin Houston after they were unable to find a suitor in a trade. The 49ers have to pursue him when free agent negotiations begin March 11.
The Chiefs parting ways with Houston has nothing to do with his production. He posted 9.0 sacks and forced five fumbles in 12 games a season ago. Kansas City only has $10 million in available cap space heading into the offseason, and they’re due to franchise tag another pass rusher in Dee Ford.
Houston turned 30 in January, and has cap hits of $21.1 million and $19 million in each of the next two years before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2021.
San Francisco would make a lot of sense as a landing spot for Houston. He’s a versatile player who can get after the passer with his hand in the ground or standing up on the edge. He also terrorized the 49ers to the tune of two sacks and two forced fumbles in the Chiefs’ Week 3 blowout win last season.
With the No. 2 pick in the draft, the 49ers are likely to select an edge rusher, but a veteran who’s still productive like Houston would give them much-needed depth and pliability with their front seven.
Houston is entering his ninth season. He’s averaged 12 sacks per year, and hasn’t posted fewer than 5.0 in a full season since his rookie year in 2011. The 49ers simply don’t have anyone close to that level of production among any of their pass rushers.
San Francisco will enter free agency with something near $70 million in available salary cap space. They may not be quick to spend big at the position in the free agent market knowing they have more reinforcements coming in the draft. On the other hand, depth is a necessity, especially with players who get after the quarterback.
A market will surely develop for the former Chiefs pass rusher, and the 49ers should absolutely be among the teams vying for his services.
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