Panthers bolster pass rush with productive veteran outside linebacker
The Carolina Panthers have officially found a pass-rushing partner for Pro Bowler Brian Burns. According to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter, Justin Houston has come to terms with the Panthers on a one-year deal. He's a perfect fit for Carolina's new-look 3-4 defense, being that he played 3-4 outside linebacker for the majority of his […]
The Carolina Panthers have officially found a pass-rushing partner for Pro Bowler Brian Burns.
According to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter, Justin Houston has come to terms with the Panthers on a one-year deal. He's a perfect fit for Carolina's new-look 3-4 defense, being that he played 3-4 outside linebacker for the majority of his career.
A former third-round draft pick out of the University of Georgia by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2011, Houston has been one of the league's most productive pass-rushers over the past decade. His 115.5 career sacks rank 27th all-time in NFL history and only three active players (Von Miller, Cameron Jordan and Chandler Jones) have more career sacks than Houston.
Last season, the 34-year-old proved that he hasn't lost a step as a pass-rusher, earning 9.5 sacks in just 400 snaps. Houston spent the 2021 and 2022 NFL seasons in Baltimore after having spent two years in Indianapolis in 2019 and 2020. In those two seasons with the Colts, he played under Panthers HC Frank Reich.
This will be his first time playing for an NFC club.
Looking for more proof of Houston's recent productivity? Since the 2019 NFL season, Houston boasts more sacks (33) than players such as Leonard Floyd (32), Khalil Mack (31.5), Danielle Hunter (31) and Von Miller (25.5). Even in his old age, he remains one of the league's best at what he does.
Brian Burns on playing in 3-4 defense: ‘It’ll showcase my IQ more’
Two-time Pro Bowler Brian Burns is looking at, for the first time in his NFL career, a change of roles.
Featured image via Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
