After a breakout rookie campaign, expectations were high for Detroit Lions defensive end James Houston. The Jackson State product recorded eight sacks in just seven games over the course of the 2022 season.
However, an unfortunate ankle injury suffered in Week 2 kept Houston sidelined for most of the 2023 campaign. The Lions like what they have in him, though, and are tendering him an exclusive rights free agent contract as a result.
With the start of the new league year Wednesday, the Lions' roster moves were made official. They tendered just one restricted free agent, Brock Wright, and elected not to sign the right of first refusal on five others including Jerry Jacobs and Anthony Pittman.
The Lions also tendered an exclusive rights free agent contract to Kayode Awosika. Among others not tendered were Chase Lucas, Khalil Dorsey, Scott Daly and Benito Jones.
Though terms of the contract were not revealed, exclusive rights tenders are traditionally one-year contracts worth the league minimum. Houston has two options, play under the contract or sit out the season.
Houston was originally drafted out of Jackson State in the 6th round of the 2022 Draft. He didn’t make the final roster out of training camp, but was signed to the practice squad after being waived. This turned out to be a big-time steal by the Lions later on that season.
After spending the majority of the season on the practice squad, Houston was first activated as an elevation for Detroit’s Thanksgiving game against Buffalo. He recorded two sacks in that game, and was quickly signed to the active roster.
He’d finish the year on a tear, totaling six sacks in his final six games. Entering last season, he was expected to play a bigger role in the team’s defense. Those hopes were derailed by his fractured ankle suffered on special teams.
Houston would remain on injured reserve until the Divisional Round of the playoffs, but he was a healthy scratch in that game. The Jackson State product officially returned to action in the NFC Championship game.
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