Pro Bowl outside linebacker Justin Houston will play another season of football in Baltimore. The 33-year-old player inked a one-year deal to play for the Ravens in 2022, with the organization confirming the deal on Thursday.
Houston joined the Ravens as a free agent in 2021 and immediately took ownership of the OLB starting spot. The NFL’s all-time leader in safeties didn’t have a productive year in terms of numbers last season, managing only 4.5 sacks in 15 games. But while this was the lowest tally in his career when he played a full season, Baltimore was still impressed with the 33-year-old player.
The coaching staff looked past the raw numbers and determined that Houston’s impact on the locker room was just as valuable as the things he did on the game day. The veteran was especially open to mentoring the Ravens’ young edge rushers, something that the organization hopes he’ll continue doing in 2022 as well.
Justin Houston spent the bulk of his career with the Chiefs, playing in Kansas City from 2011 to 2018. During that time, Houston made the Pro Bowl four times and had one All-Pro nod in 2014. Prior to arriving in Baltimore, he spent two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.
Houston’s four career safeties are tied for most in NFL history. He also holds the single-season safety record with two he managed in 2020.
