The Detroit Lions have parted ways with veteran pass-rusher James Houston. The team officially announced his waiver today, ending his tenure with the franchise. Houston, a sixth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, made a significant impact in his rookie season, especially during the second half, where he registered eight sacks over seven games.
The Lions had high expectations for Houston in 2023, but his season was derailed by a fibula injury that limited him to just two games. Despite hopes for a full recovery and a bigger role in 2024, Houston’s involvement in the lineup has been inconsistent. Initially, he found himself on the outside looking in as Marcus Davenport took over his spot.
As the season progressed, Houston began to see more playing time following an injury to Aidan Hutchinson. However, his role was still uncertain, as the team also gave extended opportunities to other defensive linemen, including Al-Quadin Muhammad, Za’Darius Smith, Isaac Ukwu, and Isaiah Thomas, who joined Josh Paschal on the edge.
Ultimately, Houston became the odd man out in Detroit’s defensive rotation. The Lions’ defensive lineup shifted throughout the season, with several players being rotated in to fill his spot. Despite flashes of potential, Houston could not secure a permanent place in the lineup.
Head coach Dan Campbell addressed the move, explaining that things just “never quite worked out” for Houston in Detroit. Campbell expressed his best wishes for Houston’s future, acknowledging that sometimes a change of scenery can be beneficial for a player’s career. It appears Houston will not be staying with the Lions, even on their practice squad.
Looking ahead, Houston will likely pursue a fresh start with another team in hopes of reigniting his career. Despite his strong rookie performance, the combination of injuries and shifting roles in Detroit left him without a consistent spot, leading to his release after his third season with the Lions.
