Chicago signed the 6'3” 300-pounder, formerly of the Raiders, to a five-year, $35 million dollar contract. It certainly looks like the Bears will release Julius Peppers and will look to Houston to fill the void.
Houston's new contract includes $15 million in guaranteed money. It's a big number especially since reports from Tony Pauline hinted at “little competition” for the Bears. The deal shows just how important the positional value is at defensive end.
Houston will be asked to improve the Bear's porous run defense that was atrocious last year. He has good size and is still only 26 years old. Last season was a breakout year for him.
He posted 56 solo tackles to go along with 13 assists and 6 sacks. Those numbers had him hovering around the DL1/DL2 border depending on IDP scoring format — using PFF scoring, he would have been No. 14. If he can continue to post big tackle numbers and add a more sacks he'll be a solid option for fantasy football.
The concern is that the six sacks were a career high for Houston. He'll need to up that number to be a really strong IDP option. The change of scenery definitely won't hurt so he's a guy to make sure and have on your dynasty radar and redraft big boards this offseason.
Nate Hodges is a lead writer for PFF Fantasy and radio host for Tennessee Sports Radio (Saturdays at noon eastern). Listen at TNsportsradio.com. His work can also be found at TopTierFootball.com. You can follow him on Twitter – @NateNFL
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