PANTHERS ADD ANOTHER OLB -- JUSTIN HOUSTON

WELL, IT'S OFFICIAL....(ALMOST...)

The Panthers have decided that the position at OLB across from Brian Burns wasn't (necessarily) on the roster. So, they went out and scored another one to add to the mix of veterans at the position. The new talent is OLB Justin Houston. Houston comes out of free agency from Baltimore where he scored 9.5 sacks last year. In 12 years in the league, Houston has 111.5 sacks. That averages out to just a little more than 9 per season. Houston was drafted by the Chiefs in the 3rd round in 2011. He is 34 years old.....so he probably won't be signing any more long term contracts, but even a one-year deal helps the Panthers and allows for some of the younger talent to mature some more.

No word on the contract numbers yet. The official position at the moment is Houston and the Panthers have "agreed to terms". That almost always means the contract has not been signed and will be "conditional" on one or more points, one of which is sure to be 'passing a physical'.

PANTHERS.COM:  Panthers "Agree To Terms" With Justin Houston

Reading 7 million with 6 million guaranteed. Sorry guys but I see this as being a reach but what do I know? Started only one game last year, had decent sack numbers but next to nothing other results. Plus 34. I’m just not impressed but hope that I am wrong.

Reading 7 million with 6 million guaranteed. Sorry guys but I see this as being a reach but what do I know? Started only one game last year, had decent sack numbers but next to nothing other results. Plus 34. I’m just not impressed but hope that I am wrong.

Yep... That is (sorta) what I was saying. At his age he's been through a lot. Probably two full contracts plus multiple one/two year deals. I don't expect him to sign on for any great length of time. Probably just a year at a time. However, considering his stat line last year, he is still effective.  Other than Burns, we don't have anyone with numbers like that.  I think he is a one or two year guy. Of course, he might not make the roster at all (well...if he has guaranteed money coming, I guess he'll make the roster.!!).

I hope he's productive. Fingers crossed.

Okay, NOW it's Official...

Effective today Houston is on the roster. The Panthers announced that he passed his physical... AND the Panthers made room for him on the roster by waiving DE Jalen Redmond. Redmond has been basically inactive this camp as he was placed on the PUP.  Houston signed his contract and reported to Spartanburg for the balance of Training Camp.

PANTHERS WIRE:  Panthers Waive DE Redmond & Houston Reports to Camp

This is seriously a great signing. I think he is going to add an extra element to our Defense that we have been missing for quite some time.

I like it. Vet, great teacher. Olb n wr might b a rotation situation.

This is seriously a great signing.  I think he is going to add an extra element to our Defense that we have been missing for quite some time.

I like it.  Vet, great teacher.  Olb n wr might b a rotation situation.

I really like the signing too. I have ALWAYS been a fan of using veterans for their experience and for their ability to relate and coach the younger guys. Houston has been "doing it" (and doing it well..) for quite a few years. It's hard to put a value on something like that. I hope he comes up big for us this year. AND, I hope we keep him under contract for as long as he's successful and wants to continue to play.