KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston insists he does not think about the football future beyond Sunday’s trip to Arizona to play the Cardinals.

But he would be only human if he spent a few moments considering what his play in the 2014 season has done for his bargaining power when it comes to a new contract. Houston should become the highest paid defensive player in franchise history over the offseason.

“It’s not something that I can do anything about,” Houston said of the contract situation, brushing the question aside with a flick of his hand. “I just play and the rest … it will happen.”

The NFL’s sack leader with 14 through 12 games, Houston is in the final season of his four-year rookie contract and will hit a big payday going into the 2015 season. Whether that comes from a long-term deal with the Chiefs, a similar deal from another team through free agency, or more than likely a franchise-player tender by the Chiefs, his paycheck will exceed the $1.4 million total he will receive this season. This season linebackers given the franchise player designation were guaranteed $11.45 million, an indication that tender offer will top $12 million in 2015.

“Justin understands the only thing that he can affect is what he does on the field,” said teammate Tamba Hali, who may end up seeing his Chiefs career come to an end to create money for Houston. “Is he playing for his next contract? Aren’t we always doing that? Right now, he’s like all of us, he’s playing to win as many game as possible and get into the playoffs. Team success pays off for everybody.”