Justin Houston A Possibility For The Steelers?

[Steeler Nation]

The Pittsburgh Steelers oddly find themselves in prime position to make a potential splash signing currently sitting with just over $13 million in cap space remaining this late into the offseason.

There are several people speculating on who the Steelers could have their eyes on, as they could look to add depth, or perhaps even starters, to several positions. A list that includes the offensive line, their defensive backfield, and their linebacking core.

Bleacher Report is predicting the Steelers to add to the last group on that list by signing veteran outside linebacker Justin Houston. This would be a great signing for the Steelers as they have very little proven depth at the position, and there are questions about Alex Highsmith’s ability to handle and be effective with a full-time workload in only his second pro season.






The excerpt from the article written by Maurice Moton is below.

“The Steelers can use their financial resources to acquire arguably the best pass-rusher on the market in Justin Houston. Pittsburgh wouldn’t have to place immense pressure on second-year veteran Alex Highsmith to become a high-quality starter opposite T.J. Watt.

Houston and Highsmith would compensate for the loss of Bud Dupree, who signed with the Tennessee Titans this offseason.

Secondly, the Steelers would keep Houston away from the Baltimore Ravens, who hosted him for a visit in April, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. Pittsburgh has more cap space than Baltimore, which would allow general manager Kevin Colbert to outbid a division rival if necessary.

The Steelers cannot have enough pass-rushers in the AFC North. Houston could help chase down Lamar Jackson, break through Baker Mayfield’s stout offensive line and lessen Joe Burrow’s time to scan the field for his solid trio of Cincinnati wideouts in Tyler Boyd, Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase.

Houston recorded 19 sacks over the last two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. With him and Watt, the Steelers would have one of the top edge-rushing duos in the league.”

There are definitely some good points that Moton made. However, this would be a highly uncharacteristic signing for the Steelers and General Manager, Kevin Colbert.






Houston is entering his age 32 season, and the Steelers have a well known history of rarely signing free agents from outside the organization who have eclipsed the magic number 30. Also, there has been no reported contact between the two sides to this point in the offseason.

While the signing of Houston would be a big improvement to their front seven, and likely still leave the team with cap space to add more depth elsewhere, there are just too many things pointing against it to make it a realistic option right now.



Let us know below what you think about the potential for the Steelers to sign Houston, and your thoughts on the likelihood of it happening!

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[Fiji Mariner]

We’ve had such great success in the playoffs as of late why change anything...it’s not like Tomlin runs RBs until the wheels fall off or something...our players always look fresh and ready to go come 2nd season...LOL

bring him in, what happens if Watt went down? Highsmith and Roche/Cassius Clay gonna scare anyone?
I’ve said for some time with the amount of snaps Heyward and Tuitt take it’s no wonder they look like the tank is empty come playoff time...also factor in how many times they face double teams due to a 2 man DL being employed frequently.

Tomlin knows one way, flog the race horse to the point it’s useless by the home stretch...but I’m sure he’ll learn THIS season bwahahaha

we’re a solid regular season team and nothing more and a very unlikely, at best, SB contender until he figures this out.

bring him in if we can on a 1 yr deal, at this point what do we have to lose...another first round playoff game?

 

[Steelers1356]

I think the extra cap space would be better spent on beefing up the secondary, but I wouldn't complain about adding Houston to the rotation at OLB.

 

[BLITZ]

I would sign Nelson

 

[TDX27]

We do need depth at OLB but not sure this is the move. I would still be surprised if we add anyone until we are well into camp.

 

[slashsteel]

Steelers typically don't bring in over 30s.

 

[Omar10213245]

sign Tebow when the Jags cut him

 

[Drink IRON City]

sign Tebow when the Jags cut him

Might Give BUSH extra motivation , you know......... like maybe play a full season or make some plays or at worst put a little fire under that there PAIN.




Salute the nation

 

[Stewey]

bring him in, what happens if Watt went down?

Bring Justin Houston in justin case!

 

[F83]

adds great depth 2 proven edge rushers could allow in the nickel at times rush high smith and Houston and drop watt if needed.
vs good teams, you can never have enough proven rushers especially now that's its an extra game, and what we saw with Marsh and OLA unable to do anything. when its SB or nothing year. say he signs 1 year 3 mill or 2.5 it's more than enough to add Sherman or Norman or even Nelson.

 

[madinsomniac]

At this point i hold that cap space... a bunch of teams will shed vets after camp and it might be prudent to see what we have on the roster before committing to anyone else

we might need a corner, a safety, an olb, an ilb, a guard or a tackle, maybe even a center depending on injuries and how well young guys are able to step in

its not impartive they spend that money now... especially since real trades are more frequent these days and teams that start slow might seek to cut costs and deal guys this season

 

[CorpusDsteelers]

Remember she was looking for a house in Pittsburgh before he eventually signed with another team? So they kicked his tires before

 

[SteelerinMD]

Rumors are Ravens are pushing had for Houston as are the Vikings and a possible re-sign with Colts. Steelers better get moving before rival gets to him if they want Houston. Ravens may be waiting for Jackson contract extension as HE is trying to break the bank and negotiating without an agent. YUP, Lamar is doing his own contract! LJ, tell them you want Brady money!!!

 

[Drink IRON City]

Rumors are Ravens are pushing had for Houston as are the Vikings and a possible re-sign with Colts. Steelers better get moving before rival gets to him if they want Houston. Ravens may be waiting for Jackson contract extension as HE is trying to break the bank and negotiating without an agent. YUP, Lamar is doing his own contract! LJ, tell them you want Brady money!!!

I sure hope LaMar can handle this as I want him to get the absolute highest and longest with the most gauranteed money in the universe. BREAK the bank highest NFL contract of all time. At least this way everyone can say he is one hell of a.................. negotiator..!



Salute the nation

 

[steelhurt]

It would be our best off season move to sign Houston. He is insurance in case Hightower not being ready and God forbid TJ missed any time.
Steelers need to stop sitting on their hands and sign him. Also, look at Schwartz for the OL.

 

[Hines57]

Gotta resign TJ and Minkah too right?

 

[Drink IRON City]

Gotta resign TJ and Minkah too right?

Why, between the two of them we have Z-E-R-O DPOY awards...........................................




Salute the nation

 

[Drink IRON City]

I would sign Nelson

Blitz, everything I've read indicates the bridge has been to charred..................................

Is there any validity of a possible resign, have you heard / read anything out there? asking for a friend......



Salute the nation

 

[BLITZ]

Blitz, everything I've read indicates the bridge has been to charred..................................

Is there any validity of a possible resign, have you heard / read anything out there? asking for a friend......



Salute the nation

i read the same as you guys. scour the net for anything Steeler news. But it is a hope not a know. I think he is the best CB out their and he knows our system.

 

[Drink IRON City]

i read the same as you guys. scour the net for anything Steeler news. But it is a hope not a know. I think he is the best CB out their and he knows our system.

I fully agree and I'd like to see him return as well, best option available but i'm thinking probably not going to happen.

thanks Blitz




Salute the nation