The Kansas City Chiefs released four-time Pro-Bowl linebacker Justin Houston on Sunday.
The Chiefs had tried to trade Houston, but no team was willing to pick up the $15.25 million base salary he was due this season, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Houston is now a free agent.
Houston, who turned 30 in January, joined Kansas City as a third-round draft pick (70th overall) from Georgia in 2011. He quickly showed his immense pass rush ability by getting three sacks in a game against the Bears as a rookie. He had 22 sacks in 2014, missing the NFL record by a half-sack.