Four-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro cornerback Xavien Howard has a case as the best free agent remaining at his position. Following an unceremonious release from the Miami Dolphins, the former second-round pick promised he would not return to the team, even at a discounted rate. While he has yet to choose his next team, the cornerback is hoping one organization shows interest in him.
The AFC is crowded with talent, as teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals are all among the best in the league. While these heavyweights were probably the four best teams of the past five years, younger teams like the Houston Texans are looking to challenge their conference supremacy.
Led by young quarterback C.J. Stroud, the Texans surprised everyone by making it to the AFC Divisional Round during Stroud’s rookie season. After adding several key playmakers during free agency, Houston is set to establish themselves as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Xavien Howard is impressed with what the team has done and hopes to sign with the Texans as a free agent.
Xavien Howard Would “Love To” Sign With Texans As A Free Agent
During a recent appearance on The OG’s Podcast, Xavien Howard discussed his immediate future as a free agent. When asked about the Texans specifically, the four-time Pro Bowler wasted no time in praising the organization.
“I would love to do that; back at home, the crib. I have Houston Rockets and the Texans tatted on me…It’s a realistic option for me. They have a hell of a quarterback. I love a defensive coach.”
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why Xavien Howard would want to sign with the Texans as a free agent. In addition to all the talent on the roster, Howard is from Houston and would love nothing more than to deliver a championship to his city. The Texans, meanwhile, need someone to start opposite Derek Stingley.
This fit makes plenty of sense for both sides, but at the end of the best, Xavien Howard will probably sign with the highest bidder as a free agent. While Howard isn’t the same lockdown corner he used to be, he can still help a defense and you can never have too many reliable cornerbacks. In no particular order, these five teams could prevent Howard from going to Houston.
Other Team Fits
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs need to find another starting cornerback with L’Jarius Sneed now on the Titans. Xavien Howard is not nearly as good as Sneed, but the free agent is more than capable of handling starting duties opposite Trent McDuffie. While Kansas City doesn’t have the same hometown appeal as Houston, they do have a great quarterback and high odds of hoisting the Lombardi in 2024.
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are looking for a new cornerback, as they were supposedly in the running for L’Jarius Sneed. After losing him to the Titans, free agent Xavien Howard could be a fine consolation prize. Last year, Indianapolis came one dropped pass away from making the playoffs despite not having Anthony Richardson for most of the season. With their first-round pick back and healthy again, the Colts could win a competitive AFC South if they improve their secondary.
Buffalo Bills
Even though he spent most of last year on the injured reserve, the Buffalo Bills could use a replacement for Tre’Davious White. Now with $8.5 million in cap space, this team should be able to afford Xavien Howard as a free agent. The Bills will always remain competitive as long as Josh Allen is their quarterback, but they could use some more help in the secondary if they finally want to make it to the Super Bowl.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions need a cornerback, especially since Cameron Sutton is no longer in the picture. This team came one or two plays away from being NFC Champions, and they did it despite a mediocre defense. With all the offensive pieces coming back for another season, it stands to reason that this team could win it all with an improved secondary. At this point in the offseason, Xavien Howard is arguably the best choice left on the free agent market.
New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr’s New Orleans Saints will have a solid offense, but they’re not going to be able to win every game in a shootout. With this in mind, this team needs to build a strong defense that can keep them in games against elite competition. Marshon Lattimore is still a solid cornerback when healthy, and pairing him with a free agent like Xavien Howard would give this team a reliable set of starters. While both players have dropped off a bit since their peak, they’re still good enough to help New Orleans compete for the NFC South crown.
Main Photo: Sam Navarro – USA Today Sports
