The Dallas Cowboys have signed defensive end James Houston to a deal just as training camp has begun to ramp up for the perpetually torturous NFC East team. Houston, a pass rusher who last played for the Cleveland Browns, was the sixth round pick for the Detroit Lions back in 2022.
He has not had a great start to his NFL career, bouncing already from the Lions to the Browns and finally with the Cowboys, where he'll be a second or third string backup on a defense helmed by Micah Parsons.
While with the Lions, Houston posted a career accolade in some of his first snaps. After getting waived in training camp and then added to the practice squad, he was called up in 2022 to finish out the Lions' 2022 season. He proceeded to record a sack in his first four games with Detroit, showing major promise as a defender the team could rely on long term.
Unfortunately, he then suffered a leg injury early on in the 2023 season, which forced him onto the injury reserve and led to him being out for the year. After that injury, Houston was given eight games to show out for Detroit, picking up just one sack and eight tackles. He was waived by the team in late November and then picked up by the Browns, where he got no earnest playing time.
or Dallas, Houston provides some depth at the pass rush with Parsons being a bit of a liability at the moment for more than financial reasons - he's also been an injury risk. Houston is also only going to be 27 years old, so he's a worthy investment for Dallas as they piece together a roster worthy of competing - again - in their pursuit of a playoff berth.
Dallas signs former 6th round pick Houston
While Houston didn't pan out with the Lions, it feels like he has a legitimate shot at competing for a backup role to Parsons for Dallas considering their depth at DE. Outside of Parsons, they roster Houston, Marshawn Kneeland, Sam Williams, and Tyrus Wheat. Houston could at least leapfrog over Sam Williams, at best, considering he's dealing with injuries.
The Cowboys and Lions face off on December 4th this season, with Detroit hosting Dallas during a Thursday Night Football contest. Houston can get some revenge during this game - if he's still rostered, at least.
