A veteran pass rusher has just become available to NFL teams vying for the playoffs.
The Carolina Panthers have waived outside linebacker Justin Houston at his request, per the organization. He’ll likely clear waivers and latch on with a postseason contender of his choosing.
While Houston isn’t quite the game-wrecking talent he was in his prime, he can still provide a veteran presence for any team’s pass rush. He’s only got a half-sack this season and nine tackles, but he had 10.5 sacks last season for the Baltimore Ravens in 17 regular season games and one playoff game.
It’s always possible he could go back to Baltimore or join a new team. Let’s take a look at five organizations that make sense.
Baltimore Ravens
Houston could go right back to where he thrived in 2022 with the Ravens, who may well just be the best team in the AFC at the moment.
The Ravens have two outside linebackers to injured reserve in Tyus Bowser and David Ojabo, so adding Houston could provide valuable depth should injury strike again.
Plus, he did quite well in Mike Macdonald’s scheme last season. Signing Houston to the practice squad and going from there would be a no-brainer.
Kansas City Chiefs
Houston spent a good bulk of his career with the Chiefs, who are always playoff contenders even if they’re not quite themselves this season.
If Houston feels like the team his started his career with could meaningfully push for another Super Bowl (and there’s mutual interest), this could be a really cool reunion that would help Kansas City down the stretch.
Detroit Lions
After thrashing the Denver Broncos on Saturday, the Lions sure look like the team that could give the San Francisco 49ers their best challenge in the NFC.
The team could use just a bit extra pass rush juice, which Houston could easily provide. This would be a fun fit for an upstart Detroit team that will play meaningful football in January.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are holding onto a tenuous lead in the AFC South, having lost three-straight games. Jacksonville needs all the help it can get right now to seize the division title, and adding a veteran rusher like Houston could help.
We’re not exactly sure if Houston would want to go to Jacksonville, but the Jaguars should be calling to help add some extra focus to the pass rush.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers do not need Houston. However, they might not mind having him around for a very probable Super Bowl push (since they’re the best team in the NFL and all).
Is this likely? Probably not. However, you could very easily seeing the 49ers just adding Houston to the practice squad for insurance, elevating him when needed and having him along for the ride/peace of mind.
