:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69660775/1293199572.0.jpg)
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, veteran pass rusher Justin Houston has agreed to a one-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens worth up to $4M. Houston’s base salary will be $1.075M with a $1M signing bonus and incentives that could total $4M.
Ravens have agreed to a 1-year deal with Justin Houston that will pay him a base salary of $1.075 million and also includes $1 million signing bonus, per source. Additional incentives in deal based on Pro Bowl and sacks.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) July 31, 2021
This comes after several rumors that Justin Houston reached out to Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh stating his desire to play for the Ravens, and that he would take less money to contend for a championship.
Former All-Pro edge rusher Justin Houston reached agreement on a one-year deal worth up to $4 million with the Baltimore Ravens, per sources. Houston turned down significantly more money from other teams in order to pursue a championship with the Ravens, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 31, 2021
Okay #RavensFlock. Streets say that Justin Houston’s has told folks that his ideal destination is Baltimore, hence the wait.
— Reeta GAWDell (@theNFLchick) July 30, 2021
From my understanding, the Ravens are aware. It’s just a matter of figuring out a fair deal. So keep your fingers crossed
After turning down multiple offers from many teams, including a more lucrative package from an AFC North club, Justin Houston reached out to John Harbaugh this week to convey a willingness to come to Baltimore - his top choice -for considerably less than market. Seems like a fit
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) July 31, 2021
Houston, entering his 10th season, ranks 10th in the NFL in sacks since 2019 (19), 13th since 2015 (49) and third since entering the league in 2011 (his 97.5 sacks only trail J.J. Watt and Von Miller.) Houston is dangerous on third down, but has never been considered a liability in the run game. According to Pro Football Focus, Houston has graded as a 70 against the run or higher in all but two seasons, never being graded below a 60.
Three players finished among the top 5 in 2019 in total QB pressures and pressure rate on 3rd down:
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) May 19, 2020
• Aaron Donald, Rams
• Justin Houston, Colts
• Kenny Clark, Packers
Benson Mayowa (Raiders) & Sam Hubbard (Bengals) generated pressure at a higher rate, but had less volume. pic.twitter.com/7AdEIkd0sW
According to Pro Football Focus, Houston has recorded at least 10 sacks in each of the past four seasons. Baltimore hasn’t had a player produce double digit sacks since Terrell Suggs in 2017 (11.0).
Houston appears to be the final piece in Baltimore’s pass rush puzzle after letting Matthew Judon and Yannick Ngakoue walk in free agency, extending Tyus Bowser then selecting Odafe Oweh and Daelin Hayes in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Ravens, who have accumulated more compensatory picks than any other team since their inception, expect to receive third or fourth rounders for Ngakoue and Judon, while retooling their outside linebacker room without counting against the compensatory formula.
Houston reportedly turned down more lucrative offers from other teams before ultimately signing in Baltimore. With the Ravens set to play the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, Justin Herbert, Baker Mayfield and Matthew Stafford in the upcoming season, they will need all the pass rush they can get.