Chiefs release veteran pass-rusher Justin Houston

The Kansas City Chiefs said goodbye to one of their longest-tenured players Sunday when they released veteran linebacker Justin Houston.

The Chiefs were reportedly seeking to trade the eight-year pro but failed to do so, prompting the release.

Houston was due $15.25 million in 2019. His release saves the Chiefs roughly $14 million in cap space, which is significant for a team that was set to enter free agency with just $9 million to play with and reportedly hopes to extend offensive star Tyreek Hill.

Houston racked up 78.5 sacks, 14 forced fumbles, and 377 total tackles during his tenure with the Chiefs, who drafted him in the third round in 2011. He broke the franchise's single-season sack record - previously held by Derrick Thomas - in 2014 with 22 and ranks fourth in franchise history in career sacks.

"Over the last eight seasons we've had the ability to watch Justin grow into a leader on and off the playing field," Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt said in a statement. "His passion helped him become one of the most successful pass-rushers in franchise history."

The 30-year-old Houston figures to be one of the top targets in free agency among available pass-rushers.