Fansided

3 Pro Bowlers the Steelers should sign this offseason

By Russell S. Baxter

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 22: Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan looks on prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 22, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 22: Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan looks on prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 22, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) /
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Justin Houston of the Baltimore Ravens sacks Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Justin Houston of the Baltimore Ravens sacks Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Pro Bowlers the Steelers should sign this offseason: 2. OLB/DE Justin Houston (Ravens)

During the summer of 2021, one of the game’s top pass-rushers almost wound up in Pittsburgh.

“I was so close to signing with the Steelers,” said veteran defender Justin Houston (via Jelani Scott of NFL.com). “That was crazy. They (were) one of the teams I was considering.”

The 12-year performer wound up with the Baltimore Ravens. In two seasons with John Harbaugh’s club, the relentless performer played in 29 regular-season contests and amassed 14.0 sacks, an interception, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Houston led the Ravens with 9.5 sacks in 2022 and also had a sack of Joe Burrow in the club’s 24-17 Wild Card loss at Cincinnati.

A third-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2011, the former University of Georgia standout has enjoyed a stellar NFL career. In a dozen campaigns with three different teams, including a two-year stint with the Colts, Houston has had no problem dumping opposing quarterbacks. He has amassed 111.5 sacks, 19 forced fumbles, five interceptions and 14 fumble recoveries. His four Pro Bowl appearances and an All-Pro nod came during his eight seasons with the Chiefs, where he racked up 78.5 QB traps.

Houston showed his versatility during a two-year stint with the Colts from 2019-20. Including the postseason, he lined up at defensive end for a total of 33 games, all starts, and finished with a combined 19.5 sacks.

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