Atlanta Facons should consider bringing veteran passer back to Georgia

The Atlanta Falcons’ passing desperation should be at a healthy level after a failed offseason at the position. With Lorenzo Carter and Arnold Ebiketie as the two starters, the only notable move was losing Bud Dupree.

While there is no longer any market advantage without any question marks, there is a clear fit. Justin Houston would be a cheap veteran who could provide surprise production. Houston was a complete failure for the Panthers in the 2023 season and posted the worst year of his career.

However, with the total mismanagement in Carolina, this should not be the end of the veteran’s career. A year prior, in 2022, Houston had 9.5 sacks with the Ravens. Before last year, every year of his career, Houston had at least 4.0 sacks.

In seven seasons of his career, the veteran has recorded 9.0 sacks or more. Houston’s best seasons are behind him, but there is reason to believe in the good situation where the veteran can still be counted on for a level of production.

Atlanta can also offer Houston a chance to return home with the thirty-five-year-old from Georgia who is spending his college career as a Bulldog. Bringing Justin Houston to Atlanta is a wise move for a front office that shouldn’t settle for a trio of Lorenzo Carter, Bralen Trice and Arnold Ebiketie as its primary rushers.

It is still possible that Calais Campbell chooses to return, but this decision would not block that decision. Houston can likely be added for an extremely team-friendly deal that can be escaped if necessary. The former Bulldog has a career high of 112.0 sacks, 19 forced fumbles and 132 tackles for a loss.

An often overlooked career that includes a crushing 22.0 sack performance during the 2014 season with the Kansas City Chiefs. At the very least, Houston’s experience and leadership would be an asset to a young, unproven group of passers in Atlanta.