Sources: Indianapolis Colts interested in re-signing Justin Houston

The Indianapolis Colts are interested in keeping Justin Houston from hitting free agency

Justin Houston is primed to be one of the most coveted defensive players in free agency, but if the Indianapolis Colts have their way, other teams won’t have the chance to bid on his services.

As the new league year approaches, league sources tell FanSided the Colts have expressed interest in retaining Houston. However, should he reach free agency, I’m told there’s likely a robust market for the 32-year-old.

Houston signed a two-year contract worth $24 million with the Colts back in 2019 and continues to play at a highly productive level.

Houston has played at a high level since joining the Colts after leaving the Chiefs

In his first two seasons in Indianapolis, Houston produced 69 total tackles with 19 sacks, including 11 sacks in 2019, his fourth double-digit sack campaign.

Last season, Houston produced 32 total pressures, including nine sacks and 20 hurries, while producing a 63.5 overall grade and 64.4 pass-rush mark from Pro Football Focus.

A four-time Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro, Houston has 97.5 career sacks and would be a valuable addition to any defense looking to make a run at a Super Bowl, which the Colts could be in a position to push for in 2021.

It is easy to see why retaining Houston would be a priority for the Colts, who have the financial flexibility to do so. Indianapolis, even after acquiring Carson Wentz in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, enter the offseason with $43.6 million in cap space, the fourth-most in the NFL.

Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL.