The trade deadline has come and gone, which means free agent Xavien Howard should receive some interest in the next few weeks. A second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Baylor product established himself as one of the league’s premier ballhawks during his eight seasons with the Miami Dolphins. Earning four Pro Bowl nominations and First-Team All-Pro honors while leading the league with 10 interceptions in 2020, Howard was one of the most consistent parts of a team that underwent multiple head coaching changes during his time with the team.
However, thanks to his massive salary cap number and a decline in play, the cash-strapped Dolphins had no choice but to release Howard during the 2024 offseason. Now a free agent, Xavien Howard has not received much public interest, but that could change as teams enter the stretch run. With no other way to improve their rosters beyond free agency, a team like the Kansas City Chiefs or Baltimore Ravens could see if the former All-Pro could provide some security as they pursue the Lombardi Trophy.
Chiefs, Ravens Could Target Free Agent Xavien Howard
The reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs are the NFL’s last undefeated team and have good odds of becoming the first team in NFL history to win three consecutive titles. The DeAndre Hopkins trade is yielding great results after two weeks, the defense is one of the best in football, and Andy Reid’s scheme is second to none. Kansas City might not be as good as their undefeated record suggests, but there’s a reason they’re Super Bowl favorites. However, this roster is not without its flaws, and signing Xavien Howards as a free agent could solve their biggest weakness.
Trent McDuffie remains one of the league’s premier cornerbacks, but he cannot cover every receiver on the field. Teams need at least two reliable cornerbacks to stop high-flying offenses like the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills, and the Chiefs don’t have that second dependable starter. Former fourth-round pick Jaylen Watson filled that role early in the year, but his ankle injury means he might not be back in 2024. Perhaps Joshua Williams can recapture his 2023 form with extended playing time, but Howard can step in and start at a moment’s notice.
Saving Disaster
The Baltimore Ravens traded a seventh-round pick for one-time star cornerback Tre’Davious White, but Thursday Night Football’s showing proves this team needs more help. While the Ravens may have earned the win, the defense did everything in their power to blow it, allowing Joe Burrow to throw for 428 yards and four touchdowns while having no answer for superstar wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Burrow and company did all this without Tee Higgins in the lineup, which goes to show just bad this defense can be.
Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are incredible, but Baltimore can’t rely on winning every game in a shootout. The Kyle Hamilton injury weakens an already struggling secondary, as Marlon Humphrey and first-round pick Nate Wiggins are not getting the job done. Maybe Xavien Howard doesn’t have anything left in his tank, but he’s the best free agent available and the Ravens must try something if they want to end their championship drought.
Main Photo: Jasen Vinlove – USA Today Sports
