Justin Houston not expected at Kansas City Chiefs mandatory minicamp

Don't expect to see Justin Houston when the Kansas City Chiefs open mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport has reported that Houston, who has not signed his franchise tag, is not expected to attend the Chiefs three-day mandatory minicamp this week.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid hinted at this last week when he was asked if he expected Houston to show up this week: "I don't know that, I don't know that. He probably won't be. We just move on. I don't really get caught up in all that stuff."

Houston is eligible to be fined more than $70,000 if he skips all three days this week. (Update: Actually, he's not technically under contract. So no fines.)

Sure, it would be nice to have Houston in camp but he did the same thing last year and went off to nearly break the NFL single season sack record. By all accounts, he's staying in shape so that shouldn't be a concern. So, he should be fine if and when he returns to the team.

.@SuperDJ56 on @JHouston50: We want him here but everyone understands it's a business. When he returns he will be ready to go. #Chiefs

— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) June 15, 2015

The Chiefs have until July 15 to long Houston up to a long-term deal. If they do not do so by that date, Houston will be forced to play out the year under the one-year franchise tender -- which he has not signed yet. There will be talk of Houston holding out into the regular season but it's tough to see someone who has made less than $3 million in his first four years in the NFL pass up the opportunity to make $13 million in one season. We shall see.