All-Pro free agent cornerback Xavien Howard could finally sign with the Baltimore Ravens or Los Angeles Chargers this upcoming regular season. According to a report, Howard is one of the notable free agents who is still looking for an opportunity among others and should be able to sign soon with a new roster. The former second-rounder established himself as one of the most successful cornerbacks in the league with the Miami Dolphins. The four-time Pro Bowler could still be elite with a new team with his unique abilities if he can stay healthy after leading in the league in interceptions twice in his eight-year tenure.
He’s probably the best available cornerback on the market next to veteran Patrick Peterson since Stephon Gilmore bolted for Minnesota and Adoree Jackson is going back to the Giants. It’s unclear what Howard can do with a high-powered defense but the veteran has been slowing down recently after sustaining injuries that gave Miami no choice but to cut him. It may take a change of scenery for a player since Baltimore still possesses one of the most dangerous defenses in the league and that may be what Howard needs. However, the Ravens aren’t looking for a cornerback but still could use the depth behind Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Stephens.
Jim Harbaugh stresses about the run game just as much as having a physical old-school defense. Howard could probably fit that new scheme and that may get him back to the player that he always is. The Chargers were able to sign Kristian Fulton but he’s one big hit away from sustaining an injury so no one knows how long he will last. A guy like Howard could give Asante Samuel Jr. some guidance and stability as depth.
All-Pro Free Agent Xavien Howard Could Finally Sign with Ravens, Chargers
Other Possible Destinations
Kansas City Chiefs
Trent McDuffie has large shoes to fill this upcoming season since trading away one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, L’Jarius Sneed. Joshua Williams shows some potential that he could carve out a starting role but he’s only great so far when the team limits him. However, the defense could use someone like Howard on a one-year deal as a temporary replacement in case McDuffie or Williams doesn’t work out this season. The veteran would be someone that can fill in an emergency spot and given his Pro Bowl nods and All-Pro, a championship team may be what he needs to be at his best play ever.
Even if the Chiefs bring Howard in a depth role, it could still be effective since he is a ball-hawker. Opposing teams may throw the ball early to keep the pace with the Chiefs offense so this would be a great opportunity for Howard to get in the mix.
Carolina Panthers
After missing out on Gilmore this offseason, the Panthers are still looking for cornerback help to bolster their secondary. Carolina may have to turn to another veteran this year if they’re not intrigued with what they have. It’s pretty much Jaycee Horn against opposing offenses by himself in the passing attack. This is something that the Panthers shouldn’t risk and should bring in Howard to take over as a starter even if it’s just a year.
Carolina was able to claim three cornerbacks off waivers which could signal they don’t feel comfortable with what they have. Despite that, the Panthers still need more veteran experience in their secondary as Horn could only be good as far as he stays healthy.
Dallas Cowboys
Plenty of reports believe the Cowboys should sign Howard as a temporary replacement for DaRon Bland’s absence this upcoming season. It could be effective since it was evident that having Gilmore around was helping Bland’s rookie campaign. The Cowboys can’t risk losing either Trevon Diggs or Jourdan Lewis again so adding Howard at a cost-effective price would probably be the best choice.
