Xavien Howard has moonlighted as a hero for the Miami Dolphins several times. The team also addressed his potential by signing him to a new five-year $50.691 million deal in 2022. The cornerback finished the season with the title of being a Pro Bowler.
However, the tides shifted on March 13, 2024, as the Dolphins opted to part ways with Howard by leveraging a post-June 1 designation. This strategic move aimed to bolster financial flexibility and paved the way for free-agent addition Kendall Fuller. Now a free agent, Howard sets his sights on a fresh chapter, eyeing his hometown team, Houston Texans, as his next destination.
Xavien Howard wants to return home
Houston Texans reporter DJ Bien-Aime hinted at Xavien Howard’s interest in joining the Texans team days ago. Howard himself now expressed the desire in the interview on “The OGs Podcast with Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller.”
The Houston native, who made his mark on the gridiron playing high school football at Wheatley and later at Baylor University, mentioned his newfound allegiance to the team. He even revealed tattoos of both the Houston Texans and Rockets logos.
“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 said.
The allure of playing for the Texans goes beyond hometown pride for Howard. After a fruitful career with the Dolphins, he is now focused on chasing a Super Bowl title. His willingness to prioritize winning over financial gain is evident as he considers taking a pay cut to join a contender like the Texans.
“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… I want to win a Super Bowl now. I already got paid, so now (a Super Bowl) is what I’m looking forward to.”
For the Texans, Howard’s potential acquisition signifies a strategic move to bolster their defensive lineup. He has an impressive track record of shutting down opposing offenses and can provide the much-needed stability and leadership to elevate the Texans’ defense to new heights. The veteran can be paired with emerging talents like quarterback CJ Stroud to solidify the team’s foundation for success.
Xavien Howard 2023 NFL season stats
Xavien Howard faced a challenging 2023 NFL season marred by injuries, which limited him to just 13 games. However, he showcased his prowess on the field, tallying one interception, 12 passes defended, and 45 combined tackles.
The cornerback has been known for his reliability and playmaking ability, as exemplified by his impressive track record of four seasons with at least four interceptions and a minimum of 12 pass breakups in each healthy campaign. Since entering the league in 2016, he has accumulated 29 interceptions.
Xavien Howard is a four-time Pro Bowler and has been named First Team All-Pro once. His impressive interception record, including leading the league with seven interceptions in 2018 and 10 in 2020, highlights his significance in the league.
