3 free agents who could start for the Ravens right now
By Kristen Wong
Ravens target No. 3: Justin Houston
It’s always nice to see a familiar face back in the lineup. Pass-rusher Justin Houston played for the Ravens last season and could be re-signed to a relatively cheap contract in 2022.
Houston perhaps didn’t live up to the Ravens’ high expectations last year, recording 34 tackles, 17 quarterback hits, 4.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in 15 games, yet he still offers starting-caliber value to a weak outside linebacker unit in Baltimore.
The Ravens’ current projected starters are Odafe Oweh and Tyus Bowser, and Bowser is coming off an Achilles injury in the 2021 season finale.
If Bowser’s recovery doesn’t go as planned, Baltimore will need someone else to step up. Daelin Hayes may still require time to develop while Jaylon Ferguson has perhaps played his last snap as a Raven, and that’s where Houston comes in.
At 32 years old, Houston can provide solid production for the team, just don’t expect him to break any records in the sack category. He has the veteran experience to lead the unit and mentor Oweh, already is familiar with the Ravens’ defensive scheme, and could be brought back for cheap.
Houston has reportedly stayed in touch with Oweh this offseason and by all accounts would be considered a good value addition this offseason.