Veteran outside linebacker Justin Houston will return to the Baltimore Ravens on a one-year deal. The organization placed the UFA tender on Houston during the offseason. The OLB could sign with any franchise until July 22, but Houston decided to remain with Baltimore 15 days before the end of the deadline.
The signing comes after failing to close the deal with former Packers linebacker Za’Darius Smith and drafting David Ojabo. The second-round pick tore his Achilles at his pro day, and linebacker Jaylon Ferguson tragically passed away in the offseason. The Ravens fill a necessary spot on the depth chart.
Houston’s return provides another veteran presence in the locker room, joining Calais Campbell and Brent Urban. Baltimore possesses several young, talented defensive players. Houston will guide fellow linebackers Ojabo and Odafe Oweh.
There were hopes for a reunion with Houston and the Kansas City Chiefs, where he spent eight seasons of his career. The Chiefs showed interest, but the Ravens brought back the four-time Pro Bowler.
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Justin Houston’s Career
In his 11th year in the NFL, the OLB compiled 34 total tackles and six tackles for loss. His 4.5 sacks are a career-low, but he led the team with 17 QB hits. He became the 39th player in NFL history to record 100 career sacks.
The 33-year-old has 485 tackles and 102 sacks in his career. Since entering the league, Houston is tied for the fourth-most sacks among active players
The Kansas City Chiefs drafted Justin Houston in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft. The former Georgia Bulldog has been selected to four Pro Bowls and earned All-Pro honors in 2014 after leading the league in sacks (22).
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What’s Next for Justin Houston and Baltimore?
Houston enters his 12th season in the NFL and his second year with the Ravens. The outside linebacker looks to lead a powerhouse defense to success.
The Ravens finished the 2021-22 campaign with an 8-9 record, tied for third place with the Cleveland Browns. The organization missed the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Baltimore has not won a Super Bowl since defeating the San Francisco 49ers in 2012. After a disappointing season, the Ravens seek to win their seventh division title.
1 Comment
Ravens made an amazing choice with this one can’t wait to see him on the field.