The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Wednesday that they have signed linebacker Justin Houston to a long-term contract. While terms of the deal were not disclosed on the team's website, according to several reports, the contract is for six years and $101 million, which includes $52.5 million in guaranteed money. As noted by CBSSports.com, the deal is the richest contract in franchise history, and makes Houston the highest-paid linebacker in league history.

"Today, we were able to reach an agreement with Justin and his agent, Joe Segal, to keep him here in Kansas City for the foreseeable future," Chiefs general manager John Dorsey was quoted in the team's website. "He's one of the top players in the National Football League and a premier pass rusher. As we've said from the beginning, Justin the football player, and the person is someone we wanted to be a part of organization. We are very happy that he will remain a member of the Chiefs."

"John, Joel and their staffs did a great job of getting this deal done. Justin has relentless work ethic on the field and in the classroom, and he provides our team with tremendous leadership. He is a fearless competitor, and we are glad he is going to be back."

The 26-year-old led the NFL with 22 sacks last season. His 85 total pressures was the second most for a 3-4 OLB in the PFF era," as noted by pro Football Focus. He became just the fourth player in franchise history to record at least three seasons with double-digit sack totals.

In four seasons with the Chiefs, he has recorded 248 tackles, 48.5 sacks, 19 pass defensed, one interception, seven forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and 71 quarterback pressures.

Houston has been selected to three straight Pro Bowls after being a third round selection (70th overall) in the 2011 NFL Draft.