Kansas City, MO (SportsNetwork.com) - The Kansas City Chiefs used their franchise tag on reigning NFL sacks leader Justin Houston, the team announced Monday.
Houston will earn $13.195 next season under the franchise tag, according to the widely reported number for linebackers.
The 26-year-old had 22 sacks last season, breaking Hall of Famer Derrick Thomas' single-season franchise record and coming within a half-sack of Michael Strahan's NFL mark.
Chiefs general manager John Dorsey said the team will continue to work on a long-term deal for Houston.
"Our goal is to reach a deal that is mutually beneficial," he said in a statement. "We want to keep Justin in a Chiefs uniform for years to come."
Houston has appeared in 59 games for the Chiefs since they selected him in the third round of the 2011 draft, including 53 starts. He has compiled 48 1/2 sacks, 235 tackles, one interception and seven forced fumbles.
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