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Despite posting a photo of himself working out while wearing a Kansas City Chiefs helmet on Thursday, former Kansas City linebacker Justin Houston — who has spent the last two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts — has signed a one-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens worth $4 million, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Former All-Pro edge rusher Justin Houston reached agreement on a one-year deal worth up to $4 million with the Baltimore Ravens, per sources. Houston turned down significantly more money from other teams in order to pursue a championship with the Ravens, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 31, 2021
Houston had previously been reported to be fielding offers from a number of teams — but on Saturday, CBS Sports’ Jason LaCanfora said that Houston was targeting the Ravens.
After turning down multiple offers from many teams, including a more lucrative package from an AFC North club, Justin Houston reached out to John Harbaugh this week to convey a willingness to come to Baltimore - his top choice -for considerably less than market. Seems like a fit
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) July 31, 2021
Two things to note here:
One: On the open market, it appears that Houston was worth more than the $4 million the Ravens will pay him in 2021. So he was willing to take less than his market value to sign with the team he wanted.
Two: Despite clear fan sentiment to bring him back, that team wasn’t the Chiefs. So if Kansas City was among the teams talking to Houston about a one-year deal, it likely would have been for substantially more than $4 million — which the Chiefs have already demonstrated they aren’t willing to pay for a one-year rental of an over-30 defensive end.
In 2021, the Chiefs will face the Ravens in a Week 2 Sunday Night Football game in Baltimore.