The Panthers Have Released A Four-Time Pro-Bowl LB

The Carolina Panthers reportedly moved on from a defensive starter Tuesday with their disappointing season winding down.

The team reportedly released four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Justin Houston, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, after less than one season with the Panthers.

Houston, 34, tallied just 0.5 sacks, nine combined tackles, and one defended pass in seven games for Carolina before being placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury in Week 8.

Panthers are releasing four-time Pro-Bowl LB Justin Houston, per source. Houston wants to play again this season, but only for a contender. pic.twitter.com/tnGoWxjGAY

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 19, 2023

The decision to release Houston sounds like an amicable split between the two sides.

The wording of Schefter’s report indicates Houston could be healthy to play at some point this season – either in the next three games or in the playoffs – but would like a chance to play for a contending team.

The Panthers, who have the worst record in the league, don’t appear too upset about losing Houston as their season draws closer to an end.

This situation sounds very similar to the one that unfolded between tight end Zach Ertz and the Arizona Cardinals.

Ertz returned from injured reserve but he and the team mutually parted ways on Nov. 30.

Houston has a wealth of NFL experience in his toolkit that plenty of playoff teams could use this time of year.

He tallied 14 sacks for the Baltimore Ravens over the past two seasons and added 34 quarterback hits before he signed with the Panthers this past offseason.

Houston has 112 career sacks, 185 quarterback hits and 19 forced fumbles across 13 seasons for the Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, and Indianapolis Colts.

It will be interesting to see which team – if any – picks up the veteran edge rusher.

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