Ravens Re-Signing LB Justin Houston 'Would Surprise No One'

Justin Houston led the Baltimore Ravens in sacks last season, yet he remains a free agent as the calendar turns to July.

Even with the NFL offseason coming to an end, the Baltimore Ravens are still looking for ways to improve their team.

One common suggestion has been adding another edge rusher, as the current group is a bit thin. Tyus Bowser and David Ojabo both missed significant time with injury in 2022, while Odafe Oweh is coming off a down year in his second season. As the Ravens push for a championship in 2023, beefing up the pass rush could go a long way.

Perhaps the solution to those concerns could be right under Baltimore's nose. Justin Houston led the team in sacks last season, yet he remains a free agent as the calendar turns to July. If the Ravens are looking for an affordable, proven option on the edge, then re-signing someone who already knows the system may be ideal.

Houston has been a Raven for two seasons, and in both instances, he signed very late into the offseason. According to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, that scenario could happen again in 2023. 

"Houston has signed with the Ravens in July and August the last two offseasons, and it would surprise no one if it happened again in the coming weeks," Zrebiec writes. "The Ravens could use a veteran edge rusher to join an outside linebacker group that includes Tyus Bowser and youngsters Odafe Oweh, David Ojabo and Tavius Robinson. Houston fit in really well in the Ravens’ locker room and was productive last year with 9 1/2 sacks in 14 games."

Houston didn't just lead the Ravens in sacks last season, he did so while only playing 44 percent of their defensive snaps. As Houston, 34, is on the back nine of his NFL career, a rotational role seems to suit him quite well. 

Houston has also expressed a desire to return to Baltimore, even as far back as January. 

"The way I feel right now – I'll be back," Houston said in January, via the team's official website. "We'll see if the chips work out, and I'll be here. That's out of my control. We'll see what they do. I'd like to be back here."

The Ravens still have about $10 million in cap space, so they can bring him back if they so choose. If so, he could be a great value signing like he has been the past two seasons.

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