Coming off a foot injury that nagged him all last year, veteran free agent cornerback Xavien Howard is cleared to resume football activities. The 30-year-old was with the Miami Dolphins in 2023 and was drafted by them in 2016.
The former second-rounder from Baylor could be signed after the draft to NFL teams that need corner help on the outside in particular.
Howard was cleared by his doctor earlier this month in a letter that was sent to teams potentially interested in his service. On Spotrac, looking at the available cornerbacks on the market, I think he would be worth taking a shot at for most teams.
If fully healthy, Howard would be a cheap flyer worth taking a chance on with his ball skills and experience.
Cornerback Xavien Howard Cleared Post Injury
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
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Media, Xavien Howard was cleared to resume football activities and could be a free agent who signs after the upcoming NFL Draft. Last month, the veteran was released due to the Dolphins salary cap. He was then replaced by another veteran corner, Kendall Fuller, in free agency.
Howard played in 13 games, but it was clear he was not fully healthy and tried to play through a foot injury and hip injury late in the season. Early in 2023, he also dealt with a groin pull and had multiple ailments that downgraded his play for Miami last year.
The veteran could be a good corner two or three option for teams, as other corners on the market include Adoree Jackson, Stephon Gilmore, Patrick Peterson, and J.C. Jackson. Despite being 30, he is one of the younger ones on the list, and his production and experience on the field would make him a good addition to any team.
That is only if his injuries are behind him, but even still, he wouldn’t be anything more than a spot starter or role contributor on a cheap deal.
Cornerback Needy Teams that Could Use the Veteran
There are plenty of teams that need to upgrade the cornerback position, and Howard would be a decent option to do just that. With his 29 career interceptions in his eight years as a Dolphin, the former Miami veteran corner could start or be a third option for most teams.
Last month on The OGs Podcast on YouTube, Howard revealed a few teams he would be interested in playing for.
One of those teams he talked extensively about is his hometown team, the Houston Texans, who could use a veteran on the roster in their secondary.
Howard said via the Houston Chronicle:
I would love to do that. Especially back at home, the crib. I wouldn’t say I’ve always been a Houston Texans fan, but this offseason, I’m a Houston Texans fan. I’ve had it tatted on me. I even got the Houston Rockets and the Texans (logos) tatted on me.
Howard would resort to taking a pay cut to play for a contender attempting to win the Super Bowl.
The cornerback added:
I’d rather take a pay cut to go to a team that’s going to go further in the playoffs. I got my money and stuff like that. I’m to the point, like, ‘How much money do you really need?’
My goal is always to try to win a Super Bowl. Don’t let the money get in the way of winning a Super Bowl. Some people get paid, and some people win a Super Bowl. Some people do both. You do both, you’re different. I want to be different. I want to win a Super Bowl now. I already got paid, so now (a Super Bowl) is what I’m looking forward to.
Cornerback Howard Former 4-Time Pro-Bowler
A team would be getting a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro at the cornerback position. His prime is behind him, but he should be highly coveted now that he is cleared to play football.
Howard was the interceptions leader in 2018 with seven and in 2020 with ten as a veteran ballhawk.
The last two seasons haven’t been great for him on the field, only with an interception each season due to less playing time with the injuries. I think he could get back to his 2017 or 2021 season in the right situation, both years where Howard had five and seven interceptions.
Other playoff teams, like the Baltimore Ravens and Detroit Lions, could use his cornerback services as well, depending on what they do in the NFL draft this weekend.
For More Great Sports Content
Follow Andrew on Twitter at @kookykim1357, and follow us at @TotalApexSports for the updated news in ALL sports. For more of our NFL Fantasy articles and to keep up to date on the latest in ALL sports, click here!
Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexSports and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports.
