James Houston, a former Lions edge, is claimed off waivers

Former Detroit Lions defensive end James Houston did not clear waivers. According to the NFL transaction wire, the Cleveland Browns claimed Houston on Wednesday. He will now join the team’s 53-man roster.

The Lions dismissed Houston on Tuesday after he spent 2.5 seasons with the organization. Detroit selected him in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and he appeared to be a revelation following a breakout rookie season. Despite starting the season on the practice squad, he received his shot midway through the season and took advantage of it. Houston had eight sacks in seven games.

However, the next season, he suffered an ankle fracture early on and did not look like himself during brief playoff games.

There was some anticipation that he’d rediscover some of his rookie magic in 2024, but it never happened. He failed to defend the run and grew less suited to Detroit’s pass rush strategy. While he possesses the talent and quickness to bend the edge and test offensive linemen’ speed and reaction time, he failed with power moves that the Lions prefer to crush the size of the pocket.

Ironically, Houston will join the Browns, where he might assist cover the vacuum left by Cleveland’s transfer of Za’Darius Smith to the Lions. Funny how that works.

We wish Houston the best of luck in Houston and appreciate those great moments to end the 2022 season.