Panthers pick up veteran edge rusher Justin Houston - ESPN

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — The Carolina Panthers finally landed a veteran edge rusher to play opposite Brian Burns in Justin Houston, even though the 34-year-old may not be an every-down player at this point in his career.

Houston and the Panthers have agreed to a one-year deal, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The team announced the signing Sunday but did not disclose terms.

Coach Frank Reich and general manager Scott Fitterer have been saying for weeks they would continue looking for a veteran to play outside linebacker in their new 3-4 scheme. As candidates were signed by other teams, they went with Houston, who has been one of the best at his position in the 3-4.

The need increased as Marquis Haynes, who emerged out of offseason workouts as the starter opposite Burns, continued to miss practice time with a back injury.

In Haynes' absence, Yetur Gross-Matos, Eku Leota, DJ Johnson and starting inside linebacker Frankie Luvu have been among the players rotating at outside linebacker.

But none of them has the experience that Houston does, particularly in the 3-4. The team was hopeful Johnson would emerge after it traded up in the third round of the April draft to get him, but he remains a work in progress.

Houston is a four-time Pro Bowl defender who had a resurgent season for the Baltimore Ravens in 2022. He produced 9.5 sacks, becoming the first player in team history to record three straight multisack games. But his impact diminished in the second half of the season, when he only managed a half-sack in his last seven games.

After contemplating retirement last year, Houston said after the season that he wanted to continue playing. Even without being an every-down linebacker, he can still be an effective pass-rush