The Sports Xchange

The Kansas City Chiefs signed Justin Houston to a six-year, $101 million deal, and the richest contract for any linebacker in NFL history.

The Chiefs and their franchised-tagged outside linebacker nailed down the long-term deal before Wednesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline. The contract is the richest deal in Chiefs’ history.

According to multiple reports, the deal includes $52.5 million guaranteed.

Houston tweeted about the contract Wednesday:

“Blessed to sign contract with the KC Chiefs. Thanks to my family #1 & my agents Joel Segal & @gbo74 for the awesome contract!

“Also Thanks & great appreciation to Mr. Hunt, Coach Reid, John Dorsey and of course the best fans of the NFL.”

Houston, 26, led the NFL in sacks last season with 22. In four seasons, he has 48.5 sacks, 234 total tackles and three Pro Bowl berths.

Designated as the team’s franchise player in March, Houston had not signed the $13.195 million tender offer.

Houston was looking for J.J. Watt-type money. The Houston Texans defensive end signed a six-year contract extension in September 2014 for $100 million, with more than half of that total guaranteed.

Houston’s deal is the second-largest contract ever for a defensive player, behind only Ndamukong Suh’s six-year deal with the Miami Dolphins for $114 million, including $60 million in guaranteed money.