4 free-agent defensive ends the Carolina Panthers should target in 2023

Carolina Panthers could sign Justin Houston

Speaking of one-year rentals.

Justin Houston, while no longer in what would be considered the prime of their career, is still a force to be reckoned with along the edge. And quite possibly could be the exact opposite of Yannick Ngakoue.

Houston is not a speedy player anymore, that’s just not part of the toolbox at 34 years old. But that doesn’t mean that the savvy veteran isn’t productive – this fact was proven with a 9.5-sack season in 2022.

Speed may kill, but it isn’t everything.

Instead of rushing full bore at the quarterback like a lot of younger defensive ends, Houston lumbers into the backfield, taking stock of the situation and creating openings more so with shiftiness and an ability to read the play as it develops.

This type of savvy is shown perfectly in the player’s performance against the New Orleans Saints in which Houston was able to tally 2.5 sacks as well as an interception. A play where the veteran was able to see how things were developing and track down the ball after it was tipped.

Those are the types of things that Houston brings to the table, not only to contribute on the field but to teach younger players. The mentorship value alone is worth the price of admission, but for a move like this to truly pay off it depends on what the team does in the draft.

If the Panthers are able to bring in some young pass-rushing talent in the later rounds this offseason, then an addition like Houston would be a no-brainer.

Train up those young kids in the types of moves that will keep them in the league long past the time their speed no longer gives them an advantage. This is without even considering the things that Brian Burns could learn and add to his repertoire.

Pairing Burns with Houston would be an exciting proposition for the Carolina Panthers and a fun one to watch.