Justin

Houston

The 34-year-old was a big-name signing for the Panthers in the offseason, coming into the year 27th all-time in sacks. While he was clearly not the same player who had 22.0 sacks in 2014, few expected Houston to produce as little as he did this year. So far in 2023, he has just six tackles and one sack on the two-win Panthers. He has said he still intends to play in 2023 but only for a contender, so it remains to be seen if any team still in the hunt is interested in adding his veteran presence. A potential perk for team that adds Houston on waivers is that it would owe him just $194K for the rest of this season since his deal with Carolina was a minimum salary contract with a $4.835M signing bonus.

Houston sits at fourth on the active career sack leaderboard behind only Von Miller, Cameron Jordan, and Chandler Jones and currently ranks 27th all time in career sacks. Far from the same player that recorded an astonishing 22.0 sacks in the 2104 season, Houston mustered a solid 9.5 sacks a season ago in addition to his fifth career interception. Another established defensive presence for new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s Carolina takeover.

Houston exited in the second quarter of Sunday’s Week 3 game against the Patriots and did not return, suffering an apparent groin strain. He’s not a lock to return in Week 4 against the Bills, but it doesn’t sound like the team thinks Houston’s injury is anything serious. Houston has been a solid contributor for the Ravens through two weeks, totaling two sacks and five quarterback pressures.

Houston exited in the second quarter and has officially been ruled out for the remainder of this one. Struggling to limit Mac Jones and DeVante Parker throughout this one, Houston’s absence could only amplify the pass defense’s struggles.

Houston was spotted on the sideline without his helmet during the second quarter. Through two games, the veteran pass rusher has totaled two sacks and five pressures. We’ll provide more information on his status once we learn more.

The Ravens had applied the rarely used “UFA tender” to Houston in May, which would have given them exclusive negotiating rights had Houston remained unsigned into camp. The 33-year-old notched 4.5 sacks across 15 games as a situational pass rusher for the Ravens in 2021. He did provide more pass-rushing heat than that number might indicate, and played nearly 600 snaps. He should be deployed similarly in 2022.

The UFA tender designation means that if Houston signs with another team prior to training camp, he will count toward the Ravens’ compensatory pick formula. If he can’ find a new team before that point, the Ravens will have exclusive negotiating rights. Houston is entering his age-33 season and is coming off a 4.5-sack campaign for Baltimore after a two-year stint with the Colts.

Houston is the ninth Raven to land on the reserve/COVID list, joining fellow defenders Jimmy Smith, Chris Westry, and Chuck Clark. Houston has time to clear the protocol ahead of Week 16 under the new guidelines, but it is likely he will sit out a pivotal game against the Bengals.

Nose tackle Brandon Williams and outside linebacker Justin Houston were among the notable names from Baltimore’s front seven that missed practice Wednesday. Safety DeShon Elliott and cornerback Tavon Young were also sidelined. That’s four defensive starters sidelined to start the week but at least a few of them should resume practicing by Friday. Luckily for Baltimore, even if they are missing some defensemen for Week 3, they should be able to cobble together a starting unit that can keep Jared Goff and the Lions in check.

Houston turned down better offers to play for the Ravens. The 32-year-old took a step back in 2020 but remains an effective pass rusher, posting eight sacks on a 59% snap share. Houston gives Baltimore a veteran starter and should play in passing situations in a rotation with Pernell McPhee. The blitz heavy Ravens are a strong fit for Houston, who fills the void from Yannick Ngakoue and Matt Judon leaving this offseason.