Report: Justin Houston has signed with the Indianapolis Colts

After eight seasons with the team, former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker (and now defensive end, as you’ll read below) Justin Houston is headed to the Indianapolis Colts, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The Chiefs released Houston back on March 10 after general manager Brett Veach admitted to ongoing dialogue on the linebacker at the NFL’s Scouting Combine.

“There was dialogue and I mentioned that at the combine,” Veach said on March 14. “I’m sure Justin will be signed here soon and he’ll do well for himself. He’s certainly a guy that can be added to a number of teams and make an impact.”

It only took another week.

Houston, 30, signed a two-year deal worth $24 million with the Colts. Schefter reported that Colts general manager Chris Ballard inquired about Dee Ford but instead chose to hold onto his draft picks and wait for Houston. The Chiefs traded Ford to the San Francisco 49ers instead.

Ballard, if you recall, served the Chiefs under then-GM John Dorsey as their director of player personnel from 2013-14 and director of football operations from 2015-16. That stint came after 11 years an area scout for the Chicago Bears. Ballard thus knows Houston well.

The Colts’ plan to use Houston as a defensive end, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

“I have plenty left in the tank,” Houston told the Andrew Walker of the Colts’ official website. “I think some people don’t believe that, but I feel like I’ve got plenty to show the world.”

The Chiefs will host Houston at Arrowhead Stadium when they play the Colts during the 2019 season. That date is still to be announced.