The 34-year-old was a big-name signing for the Panthers in the offseason, coming into the year 27th all-time in sacks. While he was clearly not the same player who had 22.0 sacks in 2014, few expected Houston to produce as little as he did this year. So far in 2023, he has just six tackles and one sack on the two-win Panthers. He has said he still intends to play in 2023 but only for a contender, so it remains to be seen if any team still in the hunt is interested in adding his veteran presence. A potential perk for team that adds Houston on waivers is that it would owe him just $194K for the rest of this season since his deal with Carolina was a minimum salary contract with a $4.835M signing bonus.

Houston sits at fourth on the active career sack leaderboard behind only Von Miller, Cameron Jordan, and Chandler Jones and currently ranks 27th all time in career sacks. Far from the same player that recorded an astonishing 22.0 sacks in the 2104 season, Houston mustered a solid 9.5 sacks a season ago in addition to his fifth career interception. Another established defensive presence for new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s Carolina takeover.

Houston exited in the second quarter of Sunday's Week 3 game against the Patriots and did not return, suffering an apparent groin strain. He's not a lock to return in Week 4 against the Bills, but it doesn't sound like the team thinks Houston's injury is anything serious. Houston has been a solid contributor for the Ravens through two weeks, totaling two sacks and five quarterback pressures.

Houston exited in the second quarter and has officially been ruled out for the remainder of this one. Struggling to limit Mac Jones and DeVante Parker throughout this one, Houston's absence could only amplify the pass defense's struggles.