After having outside linebacker Justin Houston for a pair of seasons in Indianapolis, Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich has a pretty good feel of the four-time Pro Bowler. He also has a pretty good feel of what he’ll be doing in Charlotte this season.
Reich began his post-practice presser on Tuesday by talking about the team’s newest addition in Houston. He had the following to say about the longtime pass rusher:
“Really excited to have Justin. That group has been really good at camp. I feel like the development of that group has been outstanding, and now to get to add Justin to the group is a big deal. He’s a physical specimen, he’s an incredibly smart football player, he’s a leader, he’s the ultimate competitor.”
Houston and the Panthers agreed to terms on a one-year, $7 million deal this past Sunday. That pact became official this morning, after Houston arrived in Spartanburg to pass his physical.
Reich would then be asked about what type of role he sees his new defensive weapon assuming.
“He’ll be a rotational player,” he told reporters. “I have no doubt—knowing him the way I do—that if we wanted to play him 60 plays a game, he’d be up to the task. But that won’t be likely. It’s a long season.”
Houston, 34, will be entering his 13th NFL season this fall. So while he may be starting across from fellow Pro Bowler Brian Burns, the vet will have some help along the way.
