Jaye Howard Contract: Latest News and Rumors on Negotiations with Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs will do everything they can to ensure defensive tackle Jaye Howard doesn't leave via free agency at the end of the year. According to Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star, the two parties are discussing terms on a potential contract extension.

Continue for updates.

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Howard 'Prefers to Return to Kansas City'

Friday, Nov. 20

Howard is a relative bargain at just $660,000 this year, but that won't last, as he is in the midst of a career year. The 26-year-old has registered 40 combined tackles and 2.5 sacks through nine games. Pro Football Focus grades him the 14th-best defensive tackle in the league and the third-best defensive tackle against the run.

Although Howard won't command anywhere near the $114 million the Miami Dolphins paid to Ndamukong Suh last offseason, he's still in line for a sizable pay raise.

Encouraging for Chiefs fans is the fact he hopes to stay with the team beyond this year, per Paylor:

"

I want to be here. This guys are like family, man. These are my boys, man, and I like going to war with my brothers. (Allen) Bailey, (Dontari) Poe, Nick Williams, (Mike) DeVito. I respect them on the field and we're good. I know they've got my back, and they know I've got their back.

I like Coach (Andy) Reid, I love playing for him. Love this organization. We're building something. We've got young players. Sooner or later, we're going to be one of the top-10 (defenses) in the league.

"

Although re-signing Howard will be a priority for the Chiefs, they have a number of defensive players set to be free agents. The contracts of Eric Berry, Sean Smith and Derrick Johnson all expire at the end of this season.

Combine that trio with Howard, and Kansas City might have to make some difficult decisions as to whom to retain for 2016.