Panthers grant LB Justin Houston's request for release

The Carolina Panthers granted veteran linebacker Justin Houston's request to be released on Tuesday.

The four-time Pro Bowl selection is hoping to hook up with a playoff contender for the rest of the season.

Houston, who turns 35 next month, has been on injured reserve since Nov. 4 with a hamstring injury.

He started seven games for the Panthers this season and recorded nine tackles and half a sack.

Houston has 112 sacks, 19 forced fumbles, 14 fumble recoveries and five interceptions in 170 games (151 starts) with the Kansas City Chiefs (2011-18), Indianapolis Colts (2019-20), Baltimore Ravens (2021-22) and Panthers.

Houston's deal with Carolina was for the minimum salary with a $4.835 million signing bonus. Any team that acquires him on waivers would owe him just $194,000 for the rest of the season, according to ESPN.