Did Justin Houston retire? Assessing former Chiefs star's options in 2023

Justin Houston is an NFL outside linebacker who has played 12 seasons in the league. He started his professional football career in 2011 and has been a part of three NFL franchises: the Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts, and Baltimore Ravens.

Houston's latest contract with the Baltimore Ravens ended after the 2022 season. He has since entered NFL free agency.

Justin Houston has more in him after the 2022 season

Justin Houston is 33 years old and still hasn't retired from the league. He thinks there is more football left to play and wishes to participate in another season with the Ravens in 2023. In January of this year, while playing for the Ravens, Houston revealed:

"The way I feel right now – I'll be back. We'll see if the chips work out, and I'll be here. That's out of my control. We'll see what they do. I'd like to be back here."

The Ravens exited the playoffs early last season, but Houston believes the franchise might make it to the Super Bowl 2024. The team plans to acquire new talent this offseason. Houston hasn't won a Super Bowl, and this year might be his last chance to claim the priceless Lombardy trophy.

Ravens GM Eric DeCosta, while talking on the team's website, expressed his belief in Justin Houston. However, the Ravens have yet to confirm if they will continue with the veteran outside linebacker for the 2023 season. DeCosta said:

“I love Justin. He’s a proven vet. He’s a guy that when you talk about the best pass rushers of the last couple decades, you put Justin on that list. He had a great season for us; came up big in some games; he’s a great leader; a hard worker.”

Justin Houston is listed in the PFN’s Top 100 NFL Free Agents. He might not get to play for the Ravens again, but we can name the two best landing spots for him this season.

Cincinnati Bengals

AFC Championship - Cincinnati Bengals v Kansas City Chiefs

The Bengals had a stellar last season but need some improvement in their pass-rush game if they wish to succeed this year. Now, what better than adding a veteran to their side who has a ton of experience and can easily influence young players?

The Bengals already have the likes of Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard, but they both had fewer sacks than Justin Houston in 2022. Adding a veteran might help Hendrickson and Hubbard showcase their best games in the upcoming season.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Tennessee Titans v Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars made it to the playoffs last season and won the Wild Card round. However, the team's defense was the seventh-worst in the 2022 regular season.

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To perform better this season, the team will have to work on boosting their sack numbers. The Jaguars have built a young team that has already been on the rise for the last few seasons. All they need is a mentor with playing experience.

Justin Houston himself has a 38% close rate that is even higher than NFL sack leader Nick Bosa. If he joins the Jaguars, they might end up with a much better defense than last season.