The Carolina Panthers noticed early in their training camp that their edge rush options are thin beyond standout outside linebacker Brian Burns. So the team’s front office went to work and struck a deal with veteran Justin Houston.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Houston inked a one-year deal with Carolina that will pay him $6 million in 2023. The four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher has a chance to earn an additional $1 million if he meets certain incentives.
Houston spent the 2022 campaign with the Baltimore Ravens and had his best season in years. He managed to get 9.5 sacks and get 17 QB hits despite playing just 14 games and starting only once.
The Panthers are probably not relying on Houston to replicate his performance from 2022, but they will be happy if he can make plays in key moments. Also, his style of play fits naturally into defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s scheme, and he will likely have a chance to impact the game in various ways besides getting to the opposing quarterback.
Justin Houston spent the first eight years of his NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs, making four Pro Bowls and earning one First-Team All-Pro nod. He also played for the Indianapolis Colts before spending the past two seasons in Baltimore. Houston’s career stats include 506 total tackles, 111.5 sacks, 19 forced fumbles, and two defensive touchdowns.
