3 Za’Darius Smith replacements for the Vikings revamped defense

1. Justin Houston

Regardless of whom he has suited up for, veteran performer Justin Houston has made an impact as not only as just a pass-rushing threat but a playmaker on defense.

His career in the National Football League began back in 2011. The University of Georgia standout was a third-round selection of the Kansas City Chiefs. He spent his first eight seasons with the club and after a somewhat-quiet rookie campaign (5.5 sacks), he began to make his presence felt.

Houston would finish his days in Kansas City with 78.5 sacks, 14 forced fumbles, four interceptions, and eight fumble recoveries.  He was named to four straight Pro Bowls from 2012-15 and earned All-Pro honors in 2014, when he led the league with 22.0 sacks.

Houston was released by the Chiefs in 2019 and was signed by Colts’ general manager Chris Ballard. He spent two seasons in Indianapolis, did not miss a game, and made a successful transition to defensive end in the team’s 3-4 defense. It added up to 19.0 sacks, three forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries.

The pass-rushing force spent the last two seasons with John Harbaugh’s club and in 2022, he led the playoff-bound Ravens with 9.5 sacks and corralled Bengals’ quarterback Joe Burrow in the team’s wild card loss at Cincinnati.