Free agent pass rusher Justin Houston may still be unsigned just a few weeks ahead of training camp, but he is reportedly not going to rush into anything.
According to CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora, Houston has been very selective throughout the process, and will sign when he believes the right opportunity presents itself.
“Justin Houston will play in 2021, with the right team, at the right time,” La Canfora tweeted Thursday. “He’s turned down some recent offers and at least 4 teams have reached out in the last few days as interest heats up ahead of camp. He’ll weigh what’s best for him as teams continue to make overtures.”
Justin Houston will play in 2021, with the right team, at the right time. He's turned down some recent offers and at least 4 teams have reached out in the last few days as interest heats up ahead of camp. He'll weigh what's best for him as teams continue to make overtures
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) July 15, 2021
While it is unclear if the Pittsburgh Steelers are one of those clubs in pursuit of him, they could certainly use his services.
Pittsburgh is incredibly thin behind starters T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Not only would Houston provide immediate depth, but he could also serve as a veteran mentor for Highsmith and 2020 sixth-round pick Quincy Roche.
A third round selection of Kansas City in 2011, Houston played the first eight seasons of his career with the Chiefs. He was selected to four Pro Bowls and earned a First-Team All-Pro nod in 2014 after posting a league-leading 22 sacks.
Houston has remained productive since moving on to Indianapolis in 2019. He has recorded 19 sacks and 21 tackles-for-loss over the last two seasons combined.