Report: Free Agent Edge Justin Houston to Visit Ravens, Texans; ‘Nothing New’ with Colts in Negotiations

According to CBS Sports Jason La Canfora, Indianapolis Colts free agent veteran pass rusher Justin Houston will be visiting the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans—while per the IndyStar’s Jim Ayello, ‘nothing new’ has developed in ongoing contract negotiations with the Colts:

Houston just completed the final season of a 2-year, $24M deal he signed with Indianapolis during the 2019 offseason—having racked up 19.0 total sacks in two seasons with the Colts.

The 10-year veteran recorded 25 tackles (19 solo), 8 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks, 32 total QB pressures, a forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries, and two safeties during all 16 starts this past season.

While the longtime Kansas City Chiefs sackmaster’s numbers were down for the Colts—as he was PFF’s 65th best graded edge defender with a +62.9 overall grade in 2020, other metrics, such as ESPN’s pass rush win rate, placed him as the NFL’s 6th highest rated edge defender in such a regard with a 25% pass rush win rate clip.

For what it’s worth, the Colts are still in the market for a free agent veteran pass rusher—including Houston. However, it appears that talks have currently gone cold between both sides, and the 32 year old is pursuing potential options elsewhere.

In turn, the Colts could focus their attention to the likes of Ryan Kerrigan, Melvin Ingram, Olivier Vernon, or even Jadeveon Clowney—all of whom remain free agents.

Even though Houston’s best football is safely behind him, he still has a chance to be a complementary proven veteran pass rusher for an NFL team or situational sack specialist of sorts—as he continues to age into his early 30’s.

Not to mention, an accomplished veteran voice and leader in any locker room.

Right now though, it’s starting to look increasingly unlikely his distinguished pro career continues with the Colts—although that could still change.