The Carolina Panthers have released outside linebacker Justin Houston to give him a chance to sign with a playoff contender. Houston has been on injured reserve with a hamstring injury since November 4 and has only played in seven games this season, recording half a sack, three tackles for loss, and two quarterback hits. He signed a one-year deal with the Panthers in August but was not able to fulfill his role as a complementary piece to Brian Burns in the team's 3-4 scheme. Any team that claims Houston off waivers would owe him just $194K for the rest of the season.