Justin Houston didn’t sign up for what the Carolina Panthers have turned out to be. So, he’s moving on.
As announced on Tuesday afternoon, the Panthers have granted Houston’s request for a release. According to ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter, the 34-year-old outside linebacker is hoping to play out the rest of his 13th pro campaign for a contending team.
That 13th pro campaign hasn’t exactly been a bright one for the four-time Pro Bowler. Houston, who has not played since Week 8, appeared in just seven games before being placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring issue.
Carolina signed Houston to a one-year deal back on Aug. 6. He told reporters that head coach Frank Reich, for whom he played two seasons under in Indianapolis, was a big reason why he joined the Panthers.
“It was simple,” Houston said when he arrived to training camp this past summer. “Coach Frank called. I knew right then—as soon as he called, I hung up the phone and told my wife we goin’ to Carolina. It was an easy decision.”
Well, Reich is gone . . . and now so is Houston.
