The Indianapolis Colts are hoping to return from their summer break on July 28 for training camp, barring any changes. We will be previewing the majority of the roster as the summer progresses.
Name: Justin Houston
Position: DE
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 270
Age: 31
Free Agent Year: 2021
Background
After spending his entire career with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Colts scooped up the prolific pass rusher in Houston last offseason, signing him to a two-year deal. Houston made an immediate impact on the defense, leading the unit with 11.0 sacks.
In the final year of his current contract, Houston is once again leading the way in the defensive end room. The Colts didn’t make any significant additions to the room, which means Houston will once again be leading the charge from the edge.
Expected Role
Houston showed in 2019 that he still has plenty left in the tank. He was a stout defender in setting the edge against the run and his 11 sacks showed he can still put the pass rush on his back. He will be the first defensive end listed on the depth chart and will continue to be a big part of the defense.
2020 Outlook
Houston had to do a lot of the heavy lifting on the defensive line in 2019. While he proved he could do it consistently, he won’t have to be the only one making an impact against the quarterback. The addition of DeForest Buckner should help Houston see more clear lanes as a pass rusher and fewer double teams.
Houston is entering his age-31 season, but the former first-round pick hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. Seeing as the Colts didn’t make any major additions to the room, Houston will be one of the leaders of the pass rush and should be in for another productive campaign.
Bottom Line
Houston has provided both leadership and production since arriving during the 2019 offseason. Whether this is his final season with the Colts remains to be seen, but Indy is hoping to get the most out of him in 2020.