The Chiefs’ OTAs got underway today, and a couple of notable players weren’t in attendance. Here are more details on that story, along with a couple more updates out of Kansas City:
- Justin Houston and Brandon Flowers weren’t present today when the Chiefs’ OTAs got underway, reports Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star (via Twitter). Houston, who has recorded 21 total sacks in the last two seasons and is on the books for a base salary of just $1.4MM in 2014, is looking for a new contract, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). The 25-year-old is entering the last year of his rookie deal, so the Chiefs will likely be interested in working something out if they can.
- As for Flowers, Paylor isn’t sure why he’s not in attendance, since he’s owed $30MM over the next three years (Twitter link). The cornerback has been the subject of trade rumors lately and there have been rumblings that his style of play may not fit into what Kansas City is trying to do on defense, so perhaps he’s seeking clarification about an uncertain future.
- Appearing on the NFL Network today, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said the team is in “open communication” with Alex Smith about a new contract and that he’s confident that something will get done (Twitter link via Marc Sessler of NFL.com). However, Paylor hears something a little different about the extension negotiations, tweeting that a source says contract talks have been “almost nonexistent” within the last few months.
- The Chiefs have signed offensive lineman Ryan McKee, who participated in the club’s rookie minicamp, tweets Adam Teicher of ESPN.com. Offensive guard Chandler Burden was cut to clear room for McKee.