New Panther LB Justin Houston says the NFL 'is sleeping on' Carolina

Justin Houston, a recently signed Panther, is feeling optimistic. Days before the season starts, the linebacker says he likes what he sees from his new teammates.

And since this is his 13th season, he probably knows how to read a team vibe.

“I think we (are) going to surprise a lot of people,” Houston said. “The league is sleeping on us as a whole. I think we got a lot of talent here. So the biggest thing is putting this talent together. A lot of teams have talent, but it’s hard to get everybody on the same page. I think these guys are willing to work and do whatever it takes to be on the same page. And I think we’re heading towards the right direction.”

Panthers OLB Justin Houston predicts the defense will surprise a lot of people. He believes ‘’a lot of people are sleeping on us.’’ pic.twitter.com/tU554F1dGy

— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) August 31, 2023

The Panthers signed Justin Houston during the second week of training camp. Coaches were looking for a veteran outside linebacker who could play opposite Brian Burns. Plus, Marquis Haynes was having back issues, so Carolina needed an extra body for their new 3-4 defense.

Houston contemplated retirement after last season, when he had a very either/or kind of performance. He was with the Ravens in 2022. And he started the year on fire, becoming the first player in team history to produce three straight games with multiple sacks. But he managed only a half of a sack in the second half of the season.

The Panthers signed him to a one-year contract, worth $6 million guaranteed, with another $1 million in incentives. Although Justin Houston probably isn’t an every-down player, he still possesses vast pass rushing skills. He’s made the Pro Bowl four times. And his 111.5 career sacks are the fifth-highest total for active players.

Houston, a former Georgia Bulldog star, began his career with the Chiefs. He spent the last two seasons in Baltimore, then arrived somewhat late for 2023. He spoke to reporters, Thursday, about all things Carolina.

A reporter asked him if Houston and Burns could be the top pass rushing tandem in the NFL. Why not?

“We will be,” Houston said. “The power of the tongue speaks life or death and I’m speaking life over us.”

Burns, who is in his fifth season with the Panthers, posted 12.5 sacks a year ago. And Houston notched 9.5. They definitely could be an intimidating duo.

The Panthers open the season at the Falcons. Yes, fans will want to see how the defense reacts. But quarterback Bryce Young, the No. 1 pick of the draft, probably will be the focus.