Eight years ago, Justin Houston would have been the biggest prize of free agency. But even at age 33 in 2022, the decorated pass rusher is still a desirable player. Houston is the No. 36 overall free agent on Pro Football Network’s big board and eighth among edge defenders.
Justin Houston: Free Agency Overview
Houston, a four-time Pro Bowler, is tied with J.J. Watt for 33rd on the NFL’s all-time sack list (102). But now that he’s in the late stages of an excellent career, Houston might be on his third team in as many years and fourth in five.
Recapping Houston’s 2021 season
There’s no shame in admitting it: Houston is now officially a part-time player. He was on the field for 61% of the Ravens’ defensive snaps in the games he played last year. Houston’s sack output — 4.5 — was his lowest of his career in any season he played more than five games.
But that’s not a fair representation of his performance. Houston also had 24 pressures, 17 quarterback hits, 12 knockdowns, 7 hurries, and 6 tackles for loss.
Houston’s contract estimate and salary cap implications
Those stats might not exactly jump off the page, but he definitely outperformed his contract. Houston earned just $2.1 million in 2021 — which wasn’t even in the top 70 among edge defenders in terms of average annual value. Still, Houston shouldn’t be hurting for money. He’s cleared nearly $100 million in career earnings.
Houston took less than what he was offered elsewhere to chase a ring in Baltimore. There’s no reason to believe his motivation has changed a year later. But the Ravens want to get younger at pass rusher, and with less than $10 million in cap space as of February 24, they need to be judicious with every dollar.
Possible landing spots for Houston
If Houston is indeed OK with playing for cheap in pursuit of a championship again in 2022, teams that make a lot of sense include the Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers, and Cleveland Browns.
What they’re saying about Houston
“That’s a 100-sack-plus guy, and you’ve got to pay homage to a guy like that. With him just being the type of player he is, it’s great for him to help us out, to try to help us be better as pass rushers. When we go out there, we’re talking out on the practice fields, we’re working on different things, talking about the game plan, or just looking over rushes with the tackles.
“Overall, it all just helps us go out there and play hard and fast. We talk amongst each other and just encourage one another to go out there and make a play and that we have each other’s back.” — Ravens outside linebacker Tyus Bowser on Justin Houston.