Justin Houston shared that he thought about signing with the Steelers, but ultimately decided to sign with the Ravens. (0:32).OWINGS MILLS (Md. OWINGS MILLS, MD. -- Justin Houston was only the second time he practiced with the Baltimore Ravens and was immediately caught up in one of the most intense rival NFL games.Houston claimed that he signed a one-year deal with the Ravens worth up to $4million, even though the Pittsburgh Steelers offered more.Houston stated, "I was so close signing with Steelers." It just worked out better in Baltimore.A source said that Houston reached a deal with Baltimore to sign Melvin Ingram, a four-time Pro Bowl outside tackle. This was in exchange for pursuing a championship with Baltimore. Steelers signed Melvin Ingram, a $4 million contract for one-year, to address their pass rush.Houston stated that the Ravens' defense was a key factor in his decision. In April, Houston visited Baltimore and was shown the Ravens' scheme.Houston stated, "I fell in love" with it. Houston said, "I knew that I wanted to be there when I saw it."After losing Matthew Judon in free agency and Yannick Ngakoue, the Ravens hope Houston can boost their pass rush.According to ESPN Stats & Information, Houston (32) is one of five players who have eight-plus sacks over the past four seasons. Ngakoue, Khalil Mack and Aaron Donald are the others.Houston, who played for the Kansas City Chiefs as well as Indianapolis Colts in his career, believes Baltimore will "maximize” his talents.Houston stated that Houston felt it was a better match for him in the areas he was interested in. Houston stated, "I want to be able put pressure on the quarterback and have one-on-1s."Houston claimed that he was heavily recruited to Baltimore by Marcus Peters, a former Kansas City teammate. Peters called Houston immediately after the last season was over to try and lure him to Baltimore, explaining how the scheme suits him.Peters stated, "He's an absolute great leader for a group like us." "When you find a player like him, and he's on the market, it doesn’t hurt to call -- just say, "What's going?" What are you doing? Let's see if we can join his journey. He can also be part of ours. It worked out.
