Carolina Panthers Sign Veteran Edge Rusher Justin Houston
The Carolina Panthers have made a significant addition to their defense by signing veteran edge rusher Justin Houston. The move comes as the Panthers look to bolster their pass rush and provide support for Brian Burns, one of the team’s standout defensive players.
Houston, who is 33 years old, has agreed to a one-year deal with the Panthers. The terms of the contract have not been disclosed. Despite his age, Houston is still considered one of the best at his position and brings a wealth of experience to the team.
The Panthers had been actively searching for a veteran outside linebacker to fit into their new 3-4 defensive scheme. After considering several candidates, they ultimately decided on Houston due to his impressive track record in the 3-4 system.
The need for a veteran presence became even more apparent when Marquis Haynes, who was expected to start opposite Burns, suffered a back injury that has kept him out of practice. In Haynes’ absence, players like Yetur Gross-Matos, Eku Lota, DJ Johnson, and Frankie Luvu have been rotating at outside linebacker. However, none of them have the experience and skill set that Houston brings to the table.
Houston had a standout season with the Baltimore Ravens in 2022, recording 9.5 sacks and becoming the first player in team history to have three consecutive multi-sack games. While his production dipped in the second half of the season, he still proved to be an effective pass rusher.
Although Houston is not an every-down player at this stage of his career, he can still make a significant impact as a pass-rush specialist. His burst off the line of scrimmage remains impressive, with an average pass-rush get-off time of 0.75 seconds last season, ranking fourth in the league.
In addition to his on-field contributions, Houston’s leadership and mentorship have been invaluable to the younger outside linebackers on the team. He has earned the nicknames “Yoda” and “Sensei” for his willingness to stay after practice and work on pass-rush moves with his teammates.
This signing also reunites Houston with Panthers head coach Frank Reich, who coached him during his time with the Indianapolis Colts in 2019-2020. Houston had a productive two seasons under Reich, accumulating a total of 19 sacks.
Selected in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, Houston has had an impressive career thus far. He has recorded 506 tackles, 19 forced fumbles, and 5 interceptions. His 111.5 career sacks rank fifth among active players in the league.
The addition of Justin Houston is a significant boost to the Panthers’ defense and provides a much-needed veteran presence on the edge. With his experience and skill set, Houston has the potential to make a significant impact and help elevate the Panthers’ pass rush to new heights.
Overall, this signing demonstrates the Panthers’ commitment to strengthening their defense and their belief in Houston’s ability to contribute to the team’s success. As the 2023 NFL season approaches, Panthers fans can look forward to seeing Houston wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks alongside Brian Burns.