Xavien Howard: where will the former Dolphins CB land?

Xavien Howard has emerged as a defensive powerhouse for the mighty Miami Dolphins. His knack for intercepting passes and shutting down top receivers has earned him widespread recognition. He continued to solidify his place among the league’s elite defensive players, and earned respect and admiration from fans and peers.

However, the Dolphins have recently parted ways with the star cornerback, and speculation is rife about his next destination. With three years left on his hefty $90 million contract, Howard becomes an intriguing prospect for several NFL teams.

Where will Xavien Howard play following his Dolphins release?

One contender that stands out in the race for Xavien Howard’s services is the Houston Texans. The rumor mill kicked into high gear when Houston Texans reporter DJ Bien-Aime hinted at Howard’s interest in joining the team. Born in Houston, Howard’s potential return to his hometown adds an emotional angle to the equation.

“From people I trust Xavien Howard has interest in joining the Texans. He’s from Houston. From the Texans side it’s TBD”, DJ Bien-Aime wrote.

The Texans, armed with an impressive $67.6 million in cap space, are poised for impactful offseason maneuvers. Xavien Howard’s seasoned presence could complement their young talents. Quarterback CJ Stroud’s debut season saw the Texans make strides with his incredible leadership, and the addition of Xavien Howard could fortify their defense.

Promising players like Will Anderson Jr., the 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year, have already made an impact. However, Howard’s expertise might address their defensive vulnerabilities. The Texans defense allowed the 10th most passing yards per game in the 2023 season.

However, the Texans aren’t the only suitors in the race for Howard. The Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, and Detroit Lions have also emerged as potential destinations.

How did Xavien Howard perform last season?

Xavien Howard recorded 45 tackles, 12 pass breakups and one interception in the 13 games he started last season.

Consistency has been a defining trait of the veteran’s career, evident in his four seasons with at least four interceptions and a minimum of 12 pass breakups in each of his healthy campaigns. This level of performance has earned him recognition as a four-time Pro Bowl selection and a former first-team All-Pro, via ESPN.

The football prodigy has accumulated 29 interceptions since entering the league as the Dolphins’ second-round pick in 2016. This places him second in interceptions over the last eight seasons. The pinnacle of Howard’s career came in 2020, when he led the league with an impressive 10 interceptions, earning him his sole First-Team All-Pro nod. The decision to let him go will surely have a significant impact on the Dolphins.