The Detroit Lions once seemed to have discovered a surprise breakout star in James Houston, who recorded eight sacks in just seven games during one of the most impressive rookie seasons in franchise history.
Less than two years later, Houston’s time in Detroit has come to a surprising end.
The team announced on November 26 that they had released the edge rusher, marking an abrupt conclusion to a career that started with such promise but ultimately fell short. Lions head coach Dan Campbell offered little explanation for the move, stating that things simply didn’t work out.
“It just didn’t. We had James up for a number of games, came back off of injury, got back, and it just never quite worked out,” Campbell said, via The Detroit News.
James Houston’s Struggles After Breakout Season
Houston’s decline began following his impressive rookie campaign, as a broken ankle in Week 2 of last season sidelined him for most of the year. He only returned for the NFC Championship game, where he played just 11 snaps.
As Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News noted, Houston struggled to develop into a more complete linebacker capable of contributing in rushing situations as well as pass-rushing.
“In training camp before this season, the Lions continued to try to improve other parts of Houston’s game but eventually gave up on the experiment, allowing him to just focus on rushing the passer,” Bianchi wrote. “He has 13 pressures and just one sack in 2024, even with there being a clear vacancy on the edge following several key injuries.”
Some insiders had speculated that Houston might not make the roster this season. Campbell acknowledged in August that Houston was on the bubble. While he ultimately secured a spot on the 53-man roster, his playing time dwindled over the course of the season.
Lions Add a New Pass Rusher
Houston’s role could have expanded in October after star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson suffered a season-ending fractured leg. Instead, the Lions turned to the trade market, acquiring defensive lineman Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns.
Smith made an immediate impact, recording a sack, two hurries, and three total pressures in just 26 snaps against the Jacksonville Jaguars. After the game, Campbell praised Smith’s contribution and fit within the team.
“I thought he did some good things for us. It was good to have him out there,” Campbell said, via Sports Illustrated. “Like we talked about last week, just be a piece of this puzzle. He’s a guy that’s played, he is instinctive, he doesn’t stay blocked long, he’s really good with his hands.
“He can set an edge in the run game, and he’s really good at working gains with (Lions defensive lineman Alim McNeill) ‘Mac’ and (defensive lineman DJ) Reader and those guys. He’s got a knack for those things. So, I think, first outing with him, I thought it was good. I think he fits right in with us.”
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