His 111.5 career sacks rank fifth among active players.
SPARTANBURG — Los Carolina Panthers they finally added a veteran pass rusher to play on the opposite shore of Brian Burns in Justin Houstonthough the 34-year-old might not be a three-down item at this stage of his career.
Houston and the Panthers have agreed to a campaign deal, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. The team announced the transfer on Sunday, but did not disclose terms.
El head coach Frank Reich and the general manager Scott Fitterer they had said for weeks that they would continue to look for a veteran to play outside linebacker in their new 3-4 scheme. With the candidates being signed by other clubs, they opted for Houstonwho has been one of the best at his position in a 3-4 scheme.
Justin Houston experienced a career resurgence during his time with the Ravens. Getty Images
The need increased thanks to Marquis Hayneswho emerged from the offseason jobs as a possible starter on the opposite side of Burnshe kept missing training time with a back injury.
In absence of Haynes, Yetur Gross-Matos, Dreaming, DJ Johnson and the starting inside linebacker Frankie Luvu they have been among those who have rotated out in that position.
But, none of them have the experience that you have Houston, particularly in the 3-4. The team hoped that Johnson stepped up after moving up the third-round pick order last April to select him, but it remains a work in progress.
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Houston He is a defensive back named four times a Pro Bowl which enjoyed a revival campaign in 2022 for the Baltimore Ravens. He produced 9.5 sacks, becoming the first player in team history to record three consecutive multi-sack games. But his impact faded in the second half of the season, managing just half a sack in the last seven games.
After contemplating retirement last year, Houston he commented at the end of the season that he wished to continue playing. Even not as a three-down linebacker, he can still be an effective rushing specialist in passing situations. His 111.5 career sacks rank fifth among active players.
Houston retains explosiveness on the line of scrimmage after 12 campaigns NFL. His average time to pull off the line was 0.75 seconds, fourth fastest in the league according to Next Gen Stats. He was only behind Brandon Graham, Nick Bosa y Haason Reddick.
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The impact of Houston off the field it has been just as significant. He repeatedly sticks around after practice to work rushing maneuvers with younger outside linebackers, who have nicknamed him “Yoda” and “Sensei.”
Houston played for Reich in Indianapolis in 2019 and 2020, collecting a combined 19 sacks in those two seasons.
A third-round pick from the Kansas City Chiefs in 2011, Houston He has amassed a career total of 506 tackles, 19 forced fumbles and five interceptions.
Information from Jamison Hensley was used in the writing of this article.
2023-08-07 05:30:31
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