KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – Kansas City Chiefs general manager John Dorsey says he’s spoken to representatives of All-Pro linebacker Justin Houston “in the last three days” as the sides negotiate a long-term contract. Speaking in advance of next week’s draft, Dorsey said Friday that the lines of communication remain open with Houston, who has been given the franchise tag but has yet to sign his tender.

The Chiefs began discussing a deal with Houston prior to last season, but were unable to come to an agreement. Houston then broke Derrick Thomas’s franchise record with 22 sacks last season, a virtuoso performance that sent his value soaring. Houston has not reported to the Chiefs for their voluntary offseason workouts, which began on Monday. He has posted videos of himself working out independently on Twitter.