The Detroit Lions have declared that they want to improve their pass rush this season, and one insider believes they can accomplish it by bringing in a recently released four-time Pro Bowler.
Outside linebacker Justin Houston was waived by the Carolina Panthers at his request, and the veteran cleared waivers to enter free agency. According to Cory Woodroof of USA Today’s For the Win, the 34-year-old still has much to offer a competitive defense.
“While Houston isn’t quite the game-wrecking talent he was in his prime, he can still provide a veteran presence for any team’s pass rush,” the writer wrote. “He’s only got a half-sack this season and nine tackles, but he had 10.5 sacks last season for the Baltimore Ravens in 17 regular season games and one playoff game.”
Woodroof identified the Lions as a possible landing spot, suggesting that they might use some reinforcements for a potential Super Bowl push.
Panthers are releasing four-time Pro-Bowl LB Justin Houston, per source. Houston wants to play again this season, but only for a contender. pic.twitter.com/tnGoWxjGAY
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 19, 2023
The Lions Might Add ‘Extra Pass Rush Juice’
The Lions are on the verge of winning their first division title in three decades, and Woodroof believes they have the makings of a crown contender. The addition of Houston could help their occasionally fragile defense gain an advantage against the powerhouse attacks they will most likely face in the playoffs.
“After thrashing the Denver Broncos on Saturday, the Lions sure look like the team that could give the San Francisco 49ers their best challenge in the NFC,” Woodroof said in a statement.
“The team could use a little more pass rush juice, which Houston could easily supply.” This would be a fantastic fit for a young Detroit club playing important football in January.”
The Lions have already brought in one experienced pass rusher, signing free agent Bruce Irvin in November. Irvin has only played in one game, recording a sack in a win over the New Orleans Saints.
The Lions want to improve their pass rush.
The Lions have struggled to generate a consistent pass rush at times. Though second-year player Aiden Hutchinson continues to show star potential, the team as a whole has struggled to set the edge.
That was the case in Detroit’s 29-22 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving, in which quarterback Jordan Love completed 22 of 32 passes for 238 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 37 yards. The Lions did not sack Love and only had four quarterback hits.
Campbell lauded Love after the game, but said his defense has to do a better job of winning matchups.
“Every now and then, a guy gets a 1-on-1. He has to win that one-on-one, which is why we’ll do some more tomorrow. “Return to what we do and work it,” Campbell stated, according to SI.com. “But, ultimately, this guy is the best Jordan Love has ever played for a full 60 minutes.” He’s played some good football, but man, was he on his game. He was throwing off-platform and landing them just where they needed to go. And we just couldn’t close and finish on the football, and we couldn’t apply enough pressure.”
