NFL rumors: Panthers add to veteran pass rusher
Justin Houston may be 34 years old, but he's coming off a season with nine sacks in 14 games for the Baltimore Ravens. The guy can still play, especially if he's freed up to get after the passer.
And now he's a Carolina Panther.
The linebacker reached an agreement to join the Panthers on a one-year deal, per Adam Schefter.
The move reunites Houston with Frank Reich, who was the head coach in Indianapolis when Houston was there in 2019 and 2020.
It also makes a ton of sense in general for the Panthers, who were on the hunt for a 3-4 edge and have a young locker room that could greatly benefit from a veteran voice on defense.
Most importantly, Houston is still highly productive. He had 9.5 sacks, 17 QB hits, seven tackles for loss, an interception and a forced fumble last season while playing just 44 percent of snaps on defense. He's an ideal partner for rising Panthers edge Brian Burns, who will be looking to build on two straight Pro Bowl seasons.
NFL rumors: Eagles double-dip at LB
Last year, an injury to a promising youngster saw the Eagles sign a pair of veteran free agents to fill the gap. Things worked out well with defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and Linval Joseph. Now Philadelphia is hoping to recreate the same scenario at linebacker.
The Eagles put their eggs in the Nakobe Dean basket at middle linebacker but he apparently suffered an injury during training camp. It's also just not clear if the second-year defender is ready to take the reins fulltime. So Philadelphia went out and picked up a couple of additional options.
On Sunday, the Eagles added Myles Jack and Zach Cunningham, each getting a one-year deal worth $2.5 million, according to Ian Rapoport.
Jack was horrific at times playing for the Steelers last year. The move isn't without risk. Still, his six seasons with the Jaguars were far more encouraging and a return to form could make this a savvy addition that takes a whole lot of pressure off Dean to be ready now.
Cunningham only played six games last year for the Titans as he dealt with injuries. It would seem he's healthy now and the Eagles are hoping he can get back to his productive ways from his days in Houston. In 2020, he had 164 total tackles.
NFL Rumors: Vikings give N'Keal Harry a chance
There's an infamous scene in Arrested Development when Tobias Funke and his wife Lindsay discuss an open marriage as a way to save their marriage. She asks if it's worked for others. Tobias laughs, "No, it never does. These people somehow delude themselves into thinking it might…but it might work for us."
The Vikings are Tobias Funke. The open marriage is N'Keal Harry.
Minnesota signed Harry on Sunday, giving him another chance after a lackluster season with the Bears.
Harry was supposed to dominate in the NFL with his 6-foot-4 frame that made him a beast during his excellent college career at Arizona State. He's done anything but since the Patriots drafted him in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. They gave up on him after the 2021 season.
The Bears signed Harry for the 2022 season, but he struggled with injuries and played in just seven games, catching seven passes for 117 yards and a touchdown.
Funnily enough, the Vikings have tried something like this before. They traded for Jalen Reagor after the Eagles gave up on that former first-round pick. Now he's in danger of not making the roster.
It hasn't worked before…but it might work this time.