Four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard is one of the biggest names left on the free agent market, and he could find a new home in the coming days. While he’s not the same lockdown force he was at the peak of his career, the cornerback is still more than capable of improving a defense as a boundary cornerback. Unfortunately, injuries limited him to just 13 games in 2023, and the cash-strapped Dolphins had no choice but to designate him a post-June 1st cut to save some much-needed salary cap space.
While Xavien Howard has yet to sign with a new team, interest in the free agent should rise in the coming days. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the cornerback is medically cleared for football activities.
Four-time Pro Bowl CB Xavien Howard was fully cleared for football activities earlier this month, his doctor informed teams in a letter.
Howard, who’s a free agent, battled a foot injury throughout last season. Some potential post-draft help incoming. pic.twitter.com/5qsPqcfPUy
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 24, 2024
Free Agent Xavien Howard Medically Cleared, Could Sign Soon
Xavien Howard won’t break the bank as a free agent, but the cornerback should receive a decent payday on the open market. Now entering his age-31 season, the former All-Pro finished the 2023 season with an underwhelming 55.1 PFF grade, the 98th-best mark out of 127 eligible players. This isn’t great, but Howard’s injury limited his play, and he could thrive in a more man-heavy defense.
The cornerback already ruled out a reunion with the Miami Dolphins, but he also said he’s willing to take less money to play for a contender. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at some teams who could use another defensive back for the upcoming season.
Possible Team Fits
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have yet to find a proper replacement for star cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. While Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are the two biggest keys to Kansas City’s success, the Chiefs wouldn’t have won the Super Bowl last year without their defense. Trent McDuffie can be the top cornerback in this defense, but this team could use a reliable veteran to pair with Joshua Williams. If Xavien Howard is telling the truth about taking a veteran discount, then the Chiefs could be the perfect free agent destination.
Houston Texans
Xavien Howard previously spoke about his desire to sign with the Houston Texans as a free agent. It makes sense, as the Texans have a franchise quarterback in C.J. Stroud, a talented roster full of young playmakers, and a wide-open Super Bowl window. As a bonus, Howard is from Houston and would love to win a championship with his hometown team. With over $23.6 million in cap space, Houston has plenty of money to sign Howard if they desire.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers selected cornerback Renardo Green with their second-round pick, but they could still use more veteran reinforcements in the secondary. With Brandon Aiyuk entering the final year of his contract and Brock Purdy due for an extension, this could be San Francisco’s last great chance to win a Super Bowl. Signing Xavien Howard as a free agent will help solidify the secondary and improve a defense that will have to go up against Marvin Harrison Jr., Puka Nacau, Cooper Kupp, and DK Metcalf a combined six times next year.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are not a contender, but they are in the market for a veteran cornerback. While Stephon Gilmore is their top free agent target, Xavien Howard could be a fine fallback option. Howard says he wants to play for a contender, but at the end of the day, money talks. If Carolina makes the best offer, he’ll probably sign with the Panthers.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh, which gives them a decent shot to compete in 2024. With offensive reinforcements coming via the NFL Draft, Los Angeles could still use some help in the secondary. Seeing as the Chargers share a division with the high-flying Kansas City Chiefs, they could use as many reliable defensive backs as humanly possible if they want to win the division.
Main Photo: Sam Navarro – USA Today Sports
