LB Justin Houston signs

[Ricky Spanish]

Just realized Houston was with Indy for 2 years under Reich in 19 and 20. Probably had something to do with the signing.

[csx]

I wonder if this was always in the cards and the timing was based on Houston being a vet Reich was familiar with who wasn't excited about a full camp.

[Jon Snow]

Haynes back must be the reason they had to do this. Haynes may be put on IR.

[rayzor]

8 minutes ago, csx said:

I wonder if this was always in the cards and the timing was based on Houston being a vet Reich was familiar with who wasn't excited about a full camp.

i think this is probably the way it shook out. Houston doesn't need a full camp regardless of what system he moves to, but especially if it's  a 3-4. he knows the job and would be able to pick any system up and get acclimated quickly.

plus he's the type older vet they look for...the player-coach/mentor type who can play and produce at an above average level and who will probably make a very natural transition to coach. 

[shaqattaq]

15 hours ago, Jackie Lee said:

Still a situational guy but 

He's also kinda like Thielen where he probably wants this to double as a coaching apprenticeship 

Dang! He ate Dalton's lunch last year. 9.5 sacks in 2022 and he missed 3 games!

[bythenbrs]

10 hours ago, KSpan said:

As a general comment, paying big money for players who may not be worth it/at that level isn't a good strategy either.

[Matt Khalil and Sean Gilbert have entered the chat]

[shaqattaq]

14 hours ago, frankw said:

I wanted more pass rush and he brings veteran knowledge. I'm happy.

[jfra78]

I can see Houston on the outside in the 3-4 and Luvu on the outside in 3-3-5

[hepcat]

If he has anything left in the tank it’s a good signing. Played well in spot duty for Baltimore last year. At the very least he can mentor or be an example for the younger guys 

[Icege]

1 hour ago, Jon Snow said:

Haynes back must be the reason they had to do this. Haynes may be put on IR.

Made me wonder the same thing (re: severity of Haynes' injury).

Could also be a condemnation of the guys behind Haynes (YGM, Barno, and Johnson, though DJ is going to get the benefit of a season to develop).

[45catfan]

I swear I wasn't tipped off, lol!  I posted this in the DJ Johnson thread yesterday morning.

21 hours ago, 45catfan said:

Whether the rookie will be a bust is yet to be seen, but one thing is clear, he's not ready now.  That's why we need to sign a stop gap like Justin Houston.  Yes, he's 34, but as a rotational guy, that's completely okay.   We did the same with Jared Allen and worked out fine.

Haynes is too iffy for me.  He's stays dinged up and is undersized that results in him being unable to shed blocks.  He should thrive in this system, but HAS to stay clean.  That's where a proven vet can come in on a 1-2 year deal and give us the time to find/develop that guy opposite Burns.

 

[TheSpecialJuan]

REPORT: per Jeremy Folwer, Brian Burns and Panthers not close on new deal

[Jon Snow]

1 hour ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

REPORT: per Jeremy Folwer, Brian Burns and Panthers not close on new deal

Saw that. It's just getting interesting. 

[Mr. Scot]

This is the kind of "hired gun" signing you've frequently seen the Patriots do in the past.