Justin Houston Biding His Time in Free Agency as Ravens Ponder Deal

Defensive end would boost Baltimore's pass rush.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. —Justin Houston is prepared to wait for the best deal in free agency and is no rush to sign with a team.

The defensive end is among the top players still available and plans to sign with a franchise ... eventually. Houston visited Baltimore in April, but he left without a deal.

A source told Ravens Country the negotiations "never got serious."

"Justin Houston will play in 2021, with the right team, at the right time," NFL Insider Jason La Canfora tweeted. "He's turned down some recent offers and at least 4 teams have reached out in the last few days as interest heats up ahead of camp. He'll weigh what's best for him as teams continue to make overtures."

The one glaring weakness on the Ravens roster is a veteran pass rusher and the team can solve that challenge by signing defensive end Justin Houston. The team has talent at every other position and has Super Bowl aspirations this season.

The Ravens have a need for an edge rusher after losing several players this offseason.

Matt Judon, who led the team with six sacks last season, signed a new deal with the Patriots as a free agent. Yannick Ngakoue signed with the Raiders after finishing with eight overall, but only three in nine games for Baltimore. Jihad Ward, who signed with the Jaguars, managed three sacks last season.

Houston is the type of player that could thrive with the Ravens. He's a durable, aggressive pass rusher that could help fill the void left by those recent departures that could hamper the pass rush.

Houston is still available on the free-agent market, but his former team, the Indianapolis Colts, could still make a run at re-signing him.

Houston turned 32 in January, so his age could be a concern among other suitors.

Last season, Houston was second on the Colts with eight sacks and 12 quarterback hits over 16 games. He also finished with 25 tackles (eight for a loss), one forced fumble, two fumbles recovered and two safeties.

The question now is whether he'll be available if the Ravens decide to make him an offer.