KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs waived veteran tight end Anthony Fasano on Thursday, freeing up about $2 million in salary cap space that they could use to keep All-Pro linebacker Justin Houston. The Chiefs have been unable to come to a long-term deal with Houston, making it likely that they will place the franchise tag on him. But the deadline for that designation is Monday, and the Chiefs needed to free up salary cap space to do it.

If franchised, Houston would play next season on a one-year deal worth about $13 million. Fasano, who turns 31 this year, caught 25 passes for 253 yards and four touchdowns last season. He had two years left on his four-year contract.