Lamarr

Houston

Houston will be Julius Peppers’ replacement. The deal includes $15 million guaranteed, and $21 million over the first three years. It’s a pretty penny for a player with only 16 career sacks, but Houston is coming off a breakout year, and is still just 27 (in June). Considering all the Raiders’ cap space, it’s surprising they’d let Houston get away.

It’s the first team connected to Houston. 30-year-old Houston had five sacks after serving out a 10-game suspension last season and would fall in line with the buy-low veterans Jon Gruden has targeted. Houston spent his first four years in Oakland.

Desmond Bryant held down the position last season, but he’s a free agent, and the Raiders may not re-sign him. The 3-technique position is generally the pass-rushing defensive tackle spot. Houston has accumulated ten sacks in his first three seasons, while also being stout against the run.

Houston’s agent is Drew Rosenhaus. He changed agents in January. Houston, arguably the Raiders’ best player, is in the final year of his rookie deal. He started all 16 games and racked up 69 tackles and four sacks last season while grading out as Pro Football Focus’ ninth-best 4-3 end. Through two games this season, Houston checks in at the No. 7 spot in Pro Football Focus’ ratings. He’s going to get a lot of money, just like ex-teammate Desmond Bryant did.

Houston started all 16 games at right end this season, leading the team in sacks with six and grading out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 16 4-3 DE among 52 qualifiers. “I believe that Dennis Allen and the Raiders might be looking to move on and have me go to another team and find something more what they want for their system and their scheme,” he said. Houston, who turns 27 in June, knows he won’t be short on suitors.

Speaking Monday, Allen responded to Houston’s belief that the team would like to go in a different direction. “We’d love to have (Houston) back,” Allen said. “We think he fits our system and what we’re trying to do and we think he’s a guy that we can build with.” Houston tallied a career-high 69 tackles and six sacks across 1,049 snaps this season, grading out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 11 4-3 defensive end. Going on 27, he’d generate big-time interest on the open market.

They’ll have plenty of competition. After failing to convince DE Michael Bennett to leave Seattle, the Bears are going to Plan B. Houston appears to be that. Michael Johnson may also be in the discussion. Houston, 27 in June, has also been linked to the Packers in recent days. He can play both inside and outside and is very light on his feet. The Bears are seeking Julius Peppers’ replacement.

Chicago is widely viewed as the frontrunners for Houston’s services after missing out on Michael Bennett and Michael Johnson, but it’s kind of surprising Houston isn’t getting more play. That can all change in a matter of minutes, however. Houston is our No. 1 available free-agent defensive end.

Houston would be a huge get for GM Ted Thompson, who is trying to get quicker and more athletic on the defensive line. Houston is listed at 6-foot-3, 300, but after watching his 2013 tape we believe he was closer to the 275-280 pound range, at least in his contract year. The Raiders have been surprisingly lukewarm on keeping him. Houston is Rotoworld’s No. 2 free agent defensive end left on the market, behind Michael Johnson and ahead of Michael Bennett.

Easily Oakland’s best defensive lineman, Houston is coming off a 69-tackle, four-sack season and looking for more. Houston played at 305 pounds as a rookie and 290 last year. “Lamarr worked his tail off this offseason, and he is in the best shape he has been in since he’s been here,” coach Dennis Allen said. “He sees himself as an elite player, we see him as an elite player.”