San Diego Chargers Top Free Agent Targets
Dec 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) celebrates after a sack against the San Diego Chargers in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
OLB Justin Houston, Kansas City Chiefs
Besides Paul, Justin Houston is one of the most formidable pass-rushers on the free agent market (if not, in the entire league). This season, Houston sacked opposing QBs a league-leading total of 22.0 times. His 68 tackles, four forced fumbles, six tackles for loss and five passes defended proved his outstanding overall worth to the Chiefs.
Unfortunately for the Chiefs, Houston is going to be a free agent and will likely take his 48.5 career sacks, 234 tackles, 19 passes defended, 18 tackles for loss and seven forced fumbles to another city and team. Houston is most likely going to bring the most lucrative contract out there just because of his pass-rushing production which can be a burden to the Bolts.
The Bolts have Melvin Ingram and Jeremiah Attaochu as the current starting outside line backers (Dwight Freeney is a free agent).Whether or not they go to the draft, the Bolts are going to have to pick up a line backer either way considering that ILB Andre Gachkar will also be a free agent. And while Manti Te’o and Kavell Conner are both adequate line backers, I believe that the Bolts need to land a big-time LB. If it is an outside line backer, a pass-rushing/run-stopping LB would be much appreciated. But if it an inside line backer, a more pass-defending, coverage type of LB is more appropriate.
Houston would bring the sacks and tackles for loss from the second level, but not much coverage capabilities. I believe that he provides the pass-rushing that the Bolts lacked last season (see above) and could be a huge difference maker on defense. If the Bolts sign this former Bull Dog, opposing QBs will be saying “Houston, we have a problem” for seasons to come.
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