In March of 2019, the Indianapolis Colts signed pass rusher Justin Houston to a two-year $24 million deal.
Before landing in Indy, Houston spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs.
His career has been somewhat derailed by injuries, but Houston has found a way to make an impact regardless of the circumstances.
Justin Houston loves to make plays at Arrowhead Stadium. 🚫 #INDvsKC pic.twitter.com/PEWB1RSXmf
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 7, 2019
The 31-year old pass rusher has been ranked #46 on the PFF All-Decade Top 101.
His best years might be behind him, but Houston was still able to cause havoc for Indy last season.
Houston’s Career
The Chiefs selected Houston in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
During those years with the Chiefs, Houston earned First-Team All-Pro, NFL sacks leader, and four Pro-Bowl selections.
In 2014, Houston collected 22 sacks and was one sack away from breaking the all-time single season sack record.
Houston has topped a 90.0 in overall PFF grade every season thus far.
At his peak, Houston was one of the best pass rusher’s in the entire NFL.
Houston has recorded 89.5 career sacks, which is tied for 50th on the all-time career sacks list.
He also has 426 tackles,109 tackles for loss,16 forced fumbles, and 136 quarterback hits during 118 games in his career.
Sadly, injuries have slowed him down, but Houston has found a way to defy the odds and put together a tremendous career.
Houston with the Colts
Houston spent the first eight years of his career playing linebacker for the Chiefs.
However, he switched to the defensive line when he signed with the Colts in 2019.
Changing positions could possibly hinder some of Houston’s stats, but that was not the case in 2019.
#ProBowlVote x Justin Houston#ProBowlVote x Justin Houston#ProBowlVote x Justin Houston#ProBowlVote x Justin Houston#INDvsTB pic.twitter.com/ubj5BK69U2
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 8, 2019
He recorded 44 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks during 16 games with the Colts last season.
The Colts had reliable talent at linebacker, but desperately needed help at defensive end.
Houston stepped up and finished with a 87.1 PFF grade, which was his best since the 2015 campaign.
He saw a bit of a reduced role in Indy, but finished with 60 pressures, so less playing time didn’t hurt Houston on the stat sheet.
What Happens in 2020 and Beyond?
Houston finished with a team-high 11 sacks and his +87.1 grade was the 12th best among all edge defenders last season.
The 31-year-old is still under contract for one more year, but he could be a candidate to be re-signed with another strong campaign.
Houston continues to produce at a high level, so it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Colts bring him back after 2020.
He brings a veteran presence who has playoff experience to a roster without much of that at the moment.
The Colts have some depth at defensive end, but Houston is expected to see fairly significant playing time next season.
Indy very well may have a dynamic pass-rushing duo of Houston and newly acquired DeForest Buckner.
Justin Houston is a bad, bad dude. #INDvsPIT pic.twitter.com/4QqE1KiU7t
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 3, 2019
Buckner is already a superstar in the NFL, but could very well learn a thing or two from a player like Houston.
The Colts will have to wait and see how the season plays out, but Houston might be willing to return to Indy after the year on a short-term deal.
Regardless, Houston is well-deserving of the #46 spot in the All-Decade Top 101.
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