James Houston’s time with the Detroit Lions has officially come to an end. The Lions announced today that they have waived the pass rusher, ending his two-year stint in Detroit.
A sixth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Houston made a splashy entrance into the league by compiling eight sacks in just seven games during his rookie season. The Florida and Jackson State product quickly became a fan favorite as he delivered standout performances down the stretch. The Lions had high hopes for Houston in 2023, but those expectations were derailed by a fibula injury that limited him to only two appearances throughout the year.
2024: An Inconsistent Role for Houston
The 2024 season proved to be an up-and-down affair for Houston. After initially being pushed out of the lineup by Marcus Davenport, Houston started to see more playing time when standout pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson suffered an injury. Despite making appearances in each of the last six games, Houston struggled to carve out a consistent role. Head coach Dan Campbell and the Lions gave opportunities to a number of players, including Al-Quadin Muhammad, Za’Darius Smith, Isaac Ukwu, and Isaiah Thomas, alongside Josh Paschal. Ultimately, Houston ended up being the odd man out in a crowded defensive rotation.
“It just never quite worked out,” said head coach Dan Campbell, as quoted by Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “And look, wish him the best of luck, and sometimes you just need a fresh start and this could be great for him, so wish him the best.”
What’s Next for Houston?
Campbell’s comments suggest that Houston is unlikely to return to Detroit’s practice squad, hinting instead at a potential fresh start with a new franchise. Now a third-year player, Houston will be looking to revive his once-promising career elsewhere in the NFL. Given his impressive rookie production, he may draw interest from teams in need of pass-rushing depth.
For the Lions, the decision to part ways with Houston is another move in an ongoing effort to refine their defensive unit. With numerous players competing for spots in the pass-rush rotation, Detroit will be banking on other talents to step up as they make a push for a successful end to the 2024 season.
