With the NFL regular season just days away, star cornerback Xavien Howard remains one of the top free agents on the market. A standout since being selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Howard quickly became one of the league’s premier defensive backs during his tenure with the Miami Dolphins. Known for his exceptional ball-hawking skills, Howard led the NFL in interceptions twice, earned four Pro Bowl selections, and was named First-Team All-Pro in 2020.
However, at 30 years old, Howard’s performance has slightly declined, and combined with his significant cap hit, the Dolphins were forced to release him, making him a free agent. Despite this, Howard is still a highly capable player and is arguably the best cornerback currently available. With top cornerbacks like Stephon Gilmore now in Minnesota and Adoree Jackson in New York, Howard could provide a crucial boost to a team’s secondary. The Kansas City Chiefs and Carolina Panthers are two teams that may be particularly interested in signing him.
Could the Chiefs or Panthers Sign Xavien Howard?
The Kansas City Chiefs boast one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks in L’Jarius Sneed, and while no single player can replace him, the team’s secondary remains strong. Trent McDuffie is among the league’s top cornerbacks, and former fourth-round pick Joshua Williams has shown promise in limited action. However, with Williams expected to take on a larger role this season, the Chiefs could benefit from adding a veteran like Xavien Howard to their defensive backfield.
Howard wouldn’t need to be the second-best cornerback on the Chiefs to make an impact. Kansas City’s potent offense, led by Patrick Mahomes, forces opposing teams to pass frequently to keep up. This will likely result in the Chiefs playing a lot of nickel and dime packages, requiring more defensive backs on the field. In such a scenario, Howard’s experience and knack for creating turnovers could be invaluable, even in a depth role.
Panthers on the Hunt for Cornerback Help
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers are actively searching for starting-quality cornerbacks. After narrowly missing out on signing Stephon Gilmore, the Panthers may now turn their attention to Xavien Howard. While Jaycee Horn is a solid starter when healthy, Carolina’s recent roster moves suggest they’re not fully confident in their cornerback depth. The Panthers claimed three cornerbacks off waivers, indicating a need for more reliable options.
Even if the new additions pan out, the Panthers could still use Howard’s veteran presence in their secondary. With years of experience and a reputation as one of the league’s best ball hawks at his peak, Howard could contribute immediately and serve as a mentor to Carolina’s younger defensive backs.
As the season approaches, both the Chiefs and Panthers could greatly benefit from signing Xavien Howard, a seasoned player with the potential to elevate their respective secondaries.
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