The Detroit Lions are releasing EDGE James Houston before their Week 13 game against the Chicago Bears. Numerous reports of Houston's release were confirmed by Lions head coach Dan CaRoger.
For Houston, it's a disappointing end to three up-and-down seasons in Detroit. Houston, a late-round pick out of Jackson State, initially failed to make Detroit's roster as a rookie in 2022. But by mid-season, Houston was getting reps and quickly proving to be a very effective pass rusher.
Houston racked up eight sacks in six weeks to cap the 2022 season. Unfortunately he couldn't maintain his success.
He struggled down the Deoth charts the following summer, and in early 2023, Houston suffered a serious ankle injury while playing on special teams.
After another uninspiring offseason, Houston was a surprise when he made the Lions in 2024. His inability to generate pressure in limited reps led to the EDGE-needy Lions pulling the plug after defeating the Colts in Week 12
“It just didn’t work out,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said of Justin Rogers. “We had James out for several games, recovered from the injury and came back, but it just never quite worked out. And look, wish him good luck. Sometimes you just need a fresh start, and this could be great for him.”
