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The Pittsburgh Steelers knew they wanted cross rush assist heading into the 2021 common season. There was no possible manner they might go into the season with simply T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Cassius Marsh and rookie sixth spherical decide Quincy Roche.
After releasing David DeCastro, the crew had the monetary flexibility to make a play at a number of large title free brokers. The 2 names who have been at all times atop the free agent listing have been Justin Houston and Melvin Ingram.
Houston was coming off a stellar season with the Indianapolis Colts, and Ingram had a fairly tough harm historical past throughout his time with the Chargers. Earlier than coaching camp it was reported the Steelers have been in talks with Houston, nevertheless it wasn’t deemed to be a great “match”.
In different phrases, the enjoying time expectations and cash weren’t a match.
The Steelers ended up signing Ingram, and Houston finally selected the Baltimore Ravens as his crew for the 2021 common season.
When the deal was accomplished, Steelers followers have been questioning why Houston didn’t find yourself sporting black and gold? Houston met with Baltimore media Saturday and he instructed how he was near signing with the Steelers, however the Ravens have been his first selection.
Justin Houston stated he was so near signing with the Steelers. Mentioned Baltimore was his first selection.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) August 7, 2021
This is smart, however what would make the Ravens his selection over the Steelers? It was the Pittsburgh protection who led the NFL in sacks final season, and Houston instructed reporters he was “shut” to signing with Pittsburgh. He even turned down a extra profitable supply from Pittsburgh to signal with the Ravens.
Justin Houston stated he was “so shut” to signing with Steelers.
Houston selected to go to Ravens though Steelers provided a greater deal. He feels it was a greater slot in Baltimore.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) August 7, 2021
In the end, his resolution was possible about expectations of enjoying time greater than cash. The Ravens want cross rush assist greater than the Steelers, and Pittsburgh possible wished to make the most of Houston as a 3rd cross rusher behind Watt and Highsmith.
As an alternative, Houston will possible be the each down starter for the Ravens. Hear Houston snort about his resolution, though the Steelers provided extra money.
The Ravens and Steelers have been related by extra than simply Justin Houston this offseason. When JuJu Smith-Schuster was doing the rounds on the free agent market this offseason it was the Baltimore Ravens, and Kansas City Chiefs, who provided the huge receiver extra money, however he selected to remain in Pittsburgh on a one-year contract.
It will convey much more warmth to an already scorching fireplace that’s the rivalry between the Steelers and Ravens. Then once more, what else would you count on?
Be sure you keep tuned to BTSC for the most recent information and notes surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers as they put together for the 2021 common season.
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