The Baltimore Ravens signed Justin Houston to a one-year deal in 2022, and he delivered when called upon, though not enough to warrant a new deal.
Now, the Los Angeles Rams have just over $11 million to throw around after Cooper Kupp's contract was altered, and USA Today has labeled linebacker Houston as a top candidate to sign with the team.
"He’s 34 years old... and played a little less than half the Ravens’ snaps last season. Yet, he still had 9.5 sacks and 17 quarterback hits in just 14 games, showing he’s still more than capable of applying pressure on the quarterback," USA Today wrote.
Houston's trajectory truly is intriguing. He totaled just 4.5 sacks in 2021 but rebounded with the aforementioned 9.5 sack performance last year. He may be old, but he's still got it, as he displayed in Baltimore.
Regarded as a top linebacker in the NFL while playing for Kansas City, Houston has 12 seasons under his belt and 506 tackles, 130 tackles for loss 111.5 sacks and an All-Pro season to show for it.
"He’d be a perfect addition to the Rams’ inexperienced and unproven pass-rushing group and also give Aaron Donald some help on the edge," the article assessed of his fit in Los Angeles.
Houston truly fit an interesting role for the team last season, and he brought the juice when his number was called upon. Even with scaled-back playing time, he contributed.
While dreams of Deandre Hopkins and Dalvin Cook dance in the heads of other fans, the Rams may be looking for practical places to spend money in Baltimore's-ex Houston.
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