Former Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard may be the most intriguing veteran corner still available on the market. The once All-Pro cornerback led the league in interceptions twice, once in 2018 and again in 2020. Howard strung together another outstanding season in 2021 but has since been limited by injury and inconsistent play.
Howard appeared in 13 regular-season games this past season, recording 45 tackles, 12 pass breakups, and one interception. His campaign was cut short due to a season-ending left foot injury. A change of scenery could help Howard recapture his previous success. Super Bowl contenders should be especially interested. We've identified three potential fits for Howard in free agency.
HOUSTON TEXANS
Howard recently publicly proclaimed his ambition to play for his hometown Texans next season. The feeling should be mutual. Head coach DeMeco Ryans is a defensive-minded leader who will hope to improve a 23rd-ranked secondary that allowed 234.1 passing yards per game last season.
The Texans haven't done much at the cornerback position this offseason, either. Aging veteran Steven Nelson remains a free agent after playing a defense-high 1,088 snaps last season. That's a lot of playing time that requires replacing in Houston. General manager Nick Caserio signed Jeff Okudah to a one-year contract, but Okudah shouldn't impact their plans. Right now, he's slated to start opposite Derek Stingley Jr., who has had an inconsistent start to his professional career. Howard would elevate Ryans’ defense.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
I'm surprised Eagles general manager Howie Roseman hasn't done more to address a 31st-ranked pass defense that imploded down the stretch of 2023. James Bradberry struggled mightily as a starter, but his contract made it impossible for Roseman to move on from him this offseason. The Eagles can't run it back with Bradberry as a guaranteed starter, and the roster currently lacks a proven player who's legitimately capable of challenging Bradberry for boundary snaps.
Kevin Byard was released at safety and replaced with Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, who once led the league in interceptions as an Eagle in 2022. More is still required at cornerback for new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio to appropriately install his scheme. Fangio would appreciate having another veteran like Howard at his disposal.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
The Buccaneers already had a hole at cornerback before trading cornerback Carlton Davis to the Detroit Lions. Zyon McCollum struggled at times in coverage last season but should continue receiving opportunities to prove he's a long-term contributor. Jamel Dean is the only written-in-pen starter at cornerback at this point. Former Jets cornerback Bryce Hall was added via free agency to compete for a role.
There's room for a more proven alpha corner to command this room. Howard could be intrigued by remaining in-state where he’s settled his roots. The Buccaneers won the NFC South division last year, won a playoff game against the Eagles, and re-signed both Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans this offseason. The Buccaneers should be postseason contenders throughout 2024 and could appeal to Howard's nearby familiarity.
