The Baltimore Ravens were able to sign outside linebacker Justin Houston to a one-year deal during the later stages of the 2021 offseason. He ended up being a solid addition to the team, totaling 34 total tackles and 4.5 sacks in the Baltimore defense while also providing a steady veteran presence.
Houston has been on the free agent market ever since the 2021 season concluded, but the team could benefit from bringing back the 33-year-old. On Monday, Field Yates of ESPN reported that Baltimore used the unrestricted free agent tender on Houston, also saying that the Kansas City Chiefs did the same with outside linebacker Melvin Ingram.
The Ravens and Chiefs both applied the seldom used UFA Tender on OLB Justin Houston and Melvin Ingram respectively.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) May 2, 2022
Yates went into more detail about what applying the unrestricted free agent tender means for both the Ravens and the rest of the NFL if they attempt to sign the veteran.
This means that if Houston or Ingram signs with a new team before July 22 or the first day of training camp (whichever is later), they would count towards the compensatory formula.
If they don’t sign by then, Baltimore and KC have exclusive negotiating rights. https://t.co/bWuxtdBiQO
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) May 2, 2022