Justin Houston spent the past two seasons as the Colts’ top edge rusher, but the 10-year veteran visited the Ravens on Wednesday. However, the Colts are still in the mix to bring Houston back, according to Jim Irsay.
The Colts owner said Wednesday that Houston may still return to Indianapolis, via The Athletic’s Zak Keefer (on Twitter). However, Irsay also indicated the Colts can address their edge and left tackle needs in the draft (Twitter link).
A month ahead of free agency, GM Chris Ballard said a Houston return would depend on the market. The Colts were still monitoring their two-year contributor late last month, but he remains a free agent. The Ravens, however, are looking into edge help. They were interested in Jadeveon Clowney, but the former No. 1 overall pick agreed to a Browns deal Wednesday. Both Baltimore and Indianapolis feature clear needs on the edge.
Houston agreed to a two-year, $24MM Colts deal in 2019 and displayed surprising durability, not missing a game as a Colt after running into frequent injury trouble with the Chiefs. Houston registered 19 sacks in two Colts seasons; three of those were safeties. He joins Melvin Ingram, Ryan Kerrigan and Aldon Smith as the top edge defenders available.
The Colts lost their third-leading sacker from 2020, Denico Autry, who signed with the Titans and have not seen their high draft picks produce at this position. Kemoko Turay has played in just 11 games over the past two seasons, while fellow former second-round pick Tyquan Lewis has six sacks in three seasons. Indianapolis re-signed Al-Quadin Muhammad but certainly should be expected to add one or two starter-level cogs ahead of training camp.
Houston come to NY. Giants still need some pass rushers.
He’ll sign with the Ravens when the comp pick isn’t attached.
Colts better sign 2 of 3 Kerrigan, Houston, Vernon… they have the cap and they are sure things. Drafte unless it’s paye there is a crap shoot!