Here are the three potential destinations for four-time Pro Bowl cornerback and future former Miami Dolphin, Xavien Howard. The Dolphins star-studded defensive backfield is no more with the duo of seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Miami informed Howard that they’re releasing him at the beginning of the new league year when the free agent market begins. Howard had three years left on his contract and Miami will save $18.5 million in salary cap earnings.
They’re designating him as a post-June 1 cut, if they release him now then they would only save $2.8 million. However, they could release him at the beginning of the league year and still designate him so he can sign elsewhere. Howard entered Miami as a second-round pick in 2016 with 29 career interceptions throughout his tenure. It’s the second most trailing behind Denver Broncos Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons.
Howard had his best season in 2020 where he led the league in 10 interceptions, earning him his only First-Team All-Pro nod. His Pro Bowl selections are the second most in Dolphins franchise history. Howard is the second of two cost-cutting moves by Miami next to edge rusher Emmanuel Ogbah. The two releases will save Miami over $30 million in cap room.
Howard now joins other cornerback free agents as one of the most sought next to Jaylon Johnson, Stephon Gilmore, Kenny Moore and Kendall Fuller. It’s going to be difficult for the Dolphins to replace both Ogbah Howard, especially the contributions they had with the team. Here are the three potential destinations for the four-time Pro Bowler, Xavien Howard.
Three Potential Destinations for Four-Time Pro Bowl Cornerback Xavien Howard
Houston Texans
It seems like Howard already knows where he wants to play next. According to ESPN, Howard wants to join forces with DeMeco Ryans in Houston. Howard’s veteran status and talent would bring experience to a mostly young defensive Texan team. Houston’s defense played an integral role in an unexpected playoff appearance.
Houston’s defense finished 11th in the NFL in points allowed, first in fewest touchdown passes allowed and fifth in third-down efficiency. Howard’s skills could continue bolstering an already complete defense. The Texans’ defense is led by Jonathan Greenard, Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson and many variety of pieces. Houston is projected to have the seventh-most cap space in the league this offseason.
They have $67.6 million in free space along with many contributors on both sides of the ball. Signing Howard could make sense to add a veteran voice in a young locker room.
Detroit Lions
The Lions are in one of the best spots possible in a long time. They’re ahead of their expectations by reaching the NFC Conference Championship last season while still having plenty of rookies. Detroit could use some work in the secondary backfield, though, they finished below league average in pass defense. The Lions are equipped with $63.7 million in cap space and Howard could be in their sweepstakes.
However, the Lions may have other priorities this season. This includes figuring out how to quarterback Jared Goff, who’s entering the final year of his deal in this upcoming season.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders had one of the worst defensive years last season in 2023. They ranked dead last in scoring defense, total defense, pass defense and pretty much every metric defensively. However, the Commanders have the most cap space in the league this year with over $87 million available to spend. Washington needs all the help they can get defensively after getting a whole coaching staff makeover.
They will likely grab a quarterback in the first round of the NFL Draft, but they’re in dire need of a cornerback. Current Commanders cornerback, St-Juste allowed the second-most passing yards by a single player last season. Howard would walk into Washington as the top defensive player on their team. New head coach Dan Quinn’s Cowboys’ defenses thrived and it may be the same result in Washington.
Quinn will likely want an upgrade so signing Howard could be a good start.
