$90 million starter and former Miami Dolphin cornerback, Xavien Howard may land with the Chiefs this offseason as he’s chasing rings over dollars. Howard openly admits that he’s ring-chasing at the point of his career. The Baylor product was drafted in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins, spending his entirety with the team for eight years. The four-time Pro Bowl cornerback wants his next team to be a title contender and he’ll take less money to ensure a ring.
“I’d rather take a pay cut to go to a team that’s going to go further in the playoffs,” Howard told “The OGs” Podcast when speaking of his future. “I’ve got my money and stuff like that. I’m to the point, how much do you really need? My goal is always to win a Super Bowl. Some people get paid, and some people win a Super Bowl. Some people do both. You do both, you’re different.”
He may be talking about the Kansas City Chiefs after winning the chip for back-to-back seasons. The Chiefs are doing their best to retain many key starts in preparation for a potential three-peat. After signing Chris Jones to a blockbuster contract, however, L’Jarius Sneed’s future seems unclear. According to an ESPN Insider, the Chiefs are urged to sign the former Dolphin cornerback as his replacement if Sneed exits.
Howard was pretty clear that he wasn’t going to take a pay cut for Miami, leading to his release after rumors that he could become a cap casualty. The Pro Bowl cornerback signed a five-year, $90 million contract with Miami and now the Dolphins are saving $18.5 million with his release.
Rings Over Dollars: $90 Million Starter Xavien Howard May Land With Kansas City Chiefs
He’s Open to a Paycut for Contender
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell ranked Howard as one of the top 10 best free agents still available this offseason. Howard was also named the “best fit” for the reigning Super Bowl champions. The Baylor product’s ability to play man coverage and create takeaways should appeal to the Chiefs if they lose their shutdown corner. Howard could still replicate the same abilities as Sneed despite never getting the chance to showcase it with a Super Bowl team like the Chiefs.
However, his age and injury could make him an affordable addition to the Chiefs’ defense. His broken foot that ended his campaign with Miami may dip his market value. Based on the Pro Bowler’s comment, he could join a team like Kansas City on an affordable deal. Howard was at his best under Vic Fangio and now one could wonder how he may adjust to playing for Steve Spagnuolo.
Last year, Howard notched 45 total tackles, 12 passes defended and one interception in 13 games. Before that, he earned three straight Pro Bowl Honors and was third runner-up for the AP’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2020.
Is Signing with the Texans a Realistic Option?
While Howard is open to playing for a contender, he’s expressed his desire to play alongside C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans. However, no one is sure what Howard means about playing for a “contender” yet, rather it’s just speculation. There are plenty of playoff contenders such as the Ravens who went all the way to the AFC Championship game. This is another destination where he could play the opposite of Marlon Humphrey.
Head Coach DeMeco Ryans says he’s open to adding a vital cornerback. The Texans signed Jeff Okudah, but there’s a chance they can add another prominent defensive back.
