The Carolina Panthers have released a four-time Pro Bowler and veteran pass-rusher ahead of Sunday’s Christmas Eve game against the Green Bay Packers.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Panthers have released Justin Houston following a seven-game stint. The former Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens standout had just 0.5 sacks, nine combined tackles and one pass defended during his tenure with the Panthers.
Schefter added that Houston is still keen on playing this season for a contending club.
Houston had another stellar season for the Ravens in his age-33 2022 campaign, recording 9.5 sacks (his best total in three years), one interception and one forced fumble. The veteran edge rusher, however, struggled to fit in the Panthers’ defense.
The Panthers enter Week 16 with the worst record in football (2-12), needing a last-second field goal against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday to squeak out a 9-7 win. Head coach Frank Reich was fired after 11 games, with special teams coordinator Chris Tabor taking over as the interim HC.
At this stage of the season, it wouldn’t cost any team much to bring in an experienced pass-rusher like Houston. Just about any playoff contending club could use a consistent double-digit sack specialist with 170 NFL games under his belt.
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For his career, Houston has 112 sacks, 35 pass defenses, 19 forced fumbles and 14 fumble recoveries to go along with five interceptions.
