Chiefs rookie Houston finally agrees to contract

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - One of the NFL's oddest rookie negotiations wrapped up Thursday when the Chiefs agreed to contract terms with linebacker Justin Houston, a third-round draft pick out of Georgia.

Houston was one of the NFL's last rookies to agree to a contract, and he did so long after all the other third-round picks had signed.

Houston's deal is for four years and worth $2.78 million with a $671,000 signing bonus, according to The Associated Press.

He was considered a first-round talent, but a failed drug test at the NFL combine in February most certainly hurt his draft stock.

Houston, a 6-foot-3, 270-pounder, had 10 sacks last season for Georgia while playing in a 3-4 defense the Chiefs use, and 20 in his three seasons with the Bulldogs.

He should join the Chiefs in time for this afternoon's practice. He missed a week's worth of practices but still could be in the mix for a spot as a situational pass rusher.

The Chiefs are looking for pass rushers to help Tamba Hali, who had 141/2 of their 38 sacks last season.

Cameron Sheffield, a fifth-round pick last season, got the snaps as a situational rusher in practice Thursday. Sheffield missed all of last season because of an injury.

Cornerback Carr finally signs

Another late arrival to camp was cornerback Brandon Carr, a restricted free agent. He finally signed his one-year contract offer Thursday and took his place in the starting lineup upon arriving on the practice field.

The Chiefs' other restricted free agents had signed their offers, but Carr waited until Thursday. As a restricted free agent, he was eligible to talk with other teams and sign an offer sheet the Chiefs could have matched.

Had they declined to match, the Chiefs would have acquired a first-round draft pick from the team that signed Carr.

Carr declined to say whether he talked with other teams or why his arrival to camp was delayed.

"It wasn't delayed," he said. "Today was the start date for every free agent. It's time for me to start, and I'm here to play."

Georgia's Justin Houston got to college quarterbacks last season, and the Chiefs drafted him to do the same thing for them. Houston agreed to terms on a contract Thursday.