Tag: Xavien Howard

Colts named a best fit for free agent CB Xavien Howard after NFL draft

Still in need of some cornerback help, the Colts were named a best fit for free agent Xavien Howard following the NFL draft.

Following the 2024 NFL draft, there are still some notable free agents available, including former Miami Dolphins cornerbck Xavien Howard, who the Colts were picked as a best fit for.

Recently, Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports picked out the best landing spots for each of the top remaining free agents. Here is what he had to say about Howard and the Colts:

“The Colts could use some veteran help in the secondary with Julius Brents and Dallis Flowers as the projected starters. While it was surprising to see Indianapolis emerge from the draft without selecting a cornerback until pick No. 201, the team is primed to add one over the next month.”

From 2020 through 2022, Howard had elite-level ball production, totaling 17 interceptions and 29 pass breakups during that span. This past season with Miami, he recorded only one interception and eight pass breakups but would hold his own in coverage, allowing a completion rate of 62 percent at a career-low 11.4 yards per reception.

The cornerback position was considered one of, if not the biggest need that the Colts had entering the draft. However, they wouldn’t add to the position until the fifth and sixth rounds, selecting Jaylin Simpson and Micah Abraham, who help elevate the competition, but as of now, the expectation from the Colts shouldn’t be that they can rely on them heavily either.

Last season, the Colts weathered the ups and downs that come with leaning on an inexperienced secondary. In short, too many big plays were given up, and there just wasn’t enough ball production.

However, during his pre-draft press conference, GM Chris Ballard sounded very bullish about the Colts’ secondary, which is perhaps why they waited until the latter portion of Day 3 to add to that group.

“I think getting Dallis Flowers back will help,” said Ballard. “I think, looking back on it, when I made that statement, the injury part of it played into it, and then we gave him a bunch of rookies. Well now, they’re no longer rookies anymore. Jaylon Jones is no longer a rookie. JuJu (Brents) is no longer a rookie. Dallis Flowers we’re hoping to get back healthy. We got back Kenny (Moore) back in the mix. I think anybody within in the grand scheme of things would tell you that he’s one of the top nickels in the league.

“It’s not like these guys don’t have enough talent. Do we want to add some more? Of course. We always want to add competition. What we did was we gave him a bunch of young players without a vet presence back there other than Kenny and Julian (Blackmon).”

From a salary cap perspective, the Colts easily have the ability to make this signing work with $28.4 million in available cap space following DeForest Buckner’s extension.

Ballard also didn’t shut the door on exploring free agency either:

“Between now and the start of the season – there are still some good players out there,” Ballard said after the draft. “There’s some veterans out there that can still play. We’ll dig and investigate all of them and then make a decision if we think they are the right fit for us as we go along.”

At this stage, the Colts shouldn’t expect to get the 2020-2022 version of Howard, but he would provide some stability at a premier position and could start on the boundary opposite of JuJu Brents.

For a closer look at nine other potential cornerback or safety additions the Colts could make, click here.

Chris Grier needs to find another 2nd round gem in the 2024 NFL draft

Dolphins general manager Chris Grier has found some stars in the second round. He needs to pull that off again on Friday.

The Miami Dolphins are set to pick with the No. 21 selection in Round 1 and the No. 55 selection in Round 2 of the 2024 NFL draft. With a first-round pick for the first time since 2021, finding an impact player on the first day is paramount for general manager Chris Grier. But to keep the team on track, the second-rounder also needs to be a hit.

Grier’s last two draft classes have only produced one immediate contributor out of the eight selected players. The 2022 class has not materialized well thus far, as Channing Tindall, Erik Ezukanma, and Cameron Goode have hardly seen the field for Miami.

Only 2022 seventh-round pick Skylar Thompson has made much of an impact when he performed adequate backup duties for Tua Tagovailoa and nearly pulled off a miracle road upset in the playoffs against the Buffalo Bills.

The true gem of the last two years is running back De’Von Achane, a third-round grand slam in last year’s draft. He was taken 33 picks after cornerback Cam Smith, who played the fewest rookie snaps of all the 2023 second-rounders.

That lackluster drafting means the pressure is on for Grier this week. Especially since, at the moment, the Dolphins are set for a painful wait from No. 55 to No. 158 without any picks.

Miami’s third-round pick was forfeited (along with a 2023 first-round pick) due to tampering with Tom Brady and Sean Payton. Their fourth-round pick is belongs to the Denver Broncos as part of the package from the 2022 in-season trade for edge rusher Bradley Chubb.

Grier’s first ever second round pick was cornerback Xavien Howard at No. 38 overall. Howard played eight seasons for the Dolphins, earning four Pro Bowl nods and 2020 All-Pro honors, before getting cut this offseason to save cap space.

The general manager didn’t follow up that home run in fantastic fashion, though. Grier selecting linebacker Raekwon McMillan and tigth end Mike Gesicki in the second rounds of the 2017 and 2018 drafts, respectively. McMillan was eventually traded to the Raiders for peanuts, and Gesicki walked in free agency in 2023 after getting franchise-tagged in 2022.

Two other recently departed free agents, Raekwon Davis and Brandon Jones, were selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft.

In 2021, Grier made an excellent selection on Day 2 of that year’s draft. Oregon safety Jevon Holland was picked No. 36 overall and is currently in contract extension talks with the Dolphins after three stellar seasons. His second pick in the second round that year, offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg at 42nd overall, hasn’t looked as promising.

Whatever Grier decides to do on Friday will be predicated on his choice in the first round. Yet, with plenty of value at positions of need, several players projected in the 45-65 range could be viewed as excellent selections at No. 55 for the Dolphins. And Grier can’t afford to miss.

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10 remaining free agents the Falcons could target for 2024

Free Agency: Looking at 10 remaining free agents the #Falcons could target for 2024

After getting quarterback Taylor Heinicke to take a pay cut, the Atlanta Falcons have roughly $6 million in cap space. However, the total could be less with veteran defensive tackle Eddie Goldman reportedly agreeing to a deal.

The Falcons could create additional cap space through restructures if they want to go after any of the remaining free agents. Here’s a look at 10 potential free-agent targets for Atlanta in 2024.

Could the Raiders be a fit for free-agent CB Xavien Howard?

Could the Raiders be a fit for free-agent CB Xavien Howard?

The Raiders have addressed most of their biggest weaknesses in free agency, including quarterback and defensive tackle. But the one spot they have yet to add to is cornerback. While free agency isn’t over, the market is drying up quickly.

So which cornerback could the Raiders be interested in signing to improve the depth in the secondary? In a recent article by Bill Barnwell of ESPN, he ranked the top 19 free agents still on the market.

Coming in at No. 1 was Xavien Howard, formerly the cornerback of the Miami Dolphins. Here is why Barnwell believes he can still be an elite player in the NFL:

Howard was officially released at the start of the league year by the Dolphins. He will have interest from multiple teams, too, due to his perimeter coverage traits and on-the-ball production. Howard has 29 interceptions in eight seasons, and he can elevate a contending secondary.

Howard isn’t a long-term solution for the Raiders as he’ll turn 31 during the 2024 season, but he could prove to be an upgrade over what they have on their roster right now. On a one-year deal, Howard would make a lot of sense for a defense that needs more ballhawks.

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Former Dolphins CB Xavien Howard explains what it was like to play for Brian Flores

Former Dolphins CB shares what it was like to play for the team’s former HC.

For the first time in his NFL career, former Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard is a free agent and is looking for a new team to spend at least the next year with.

Howard, 30, played eight seasons for the Dolphins, making two All-Pro teams and four Pro Bowls during his time in aqua and orange. He’s also recorded the second-most interceptions in the league since he was drafted in 2016.

The former Baylor Bear did all of that despite playing for three different head coaches – Adam Gase, Brian Flores and Mike McDaniel.

Flores’ reign (2019-21) ended with some fireworks, as a lawsuit was filed against the team and the league citing discrimination which also led to the Dolphins losing multiple draft picks.

And, while there’s been much said about his attitude and relationships with his players and staff, Howard, who was in Miami for Flores’ entire tenure, recently called him a player’s coach.

“Brian Flores was like that,” Howard said on “The OGs” podcast. “He gets all of the this and that in the media, but he was a player’s coach guy. It was like, he came from the Patriots, so he’s seen greatness from the G.O.A.T. It’s his standard how he holds guys around, our team, the Dolphins at the time, he held everybody to a standard. Me and Flores probably weren’t buddy-buddy, this and that, but I respect him. How he came in there every day. He approached every day the same way. It doesn’t matter who you are, he’s going to chew your ass out if you aren’t doing something right. He isn’t going to dap you out if you’re doing something right. You’re supposed to do that.”

Flores spent the first 15 seasons of his career in professional football working for the New England Patriots under then-head coach Bill Belichick. There’s been a long list of former Patriots coaches who have gone elsewhere and have had their personalities clash with those around them.

This past season, Flores served as the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings and is set to return to the position in 2024. And, this offseason, he recruited one of his former Dolphins, linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, to join him in purple and gold. Could Howard’s comments hint at him doing the same in the near future?

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10 best available free agents to fit Raiders needs

10 best available free agents to fit Raiders needs

It’s Friday, which means the end of the work week. It also means it’s been two work weeks since the free agent market opened for business. The Raiders handled their number one business, which was to land top free agent defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. His addition along with the return of Adam Butler and John Jenkins helped to solidify the definsive interior, but that still leaves them with plenty to do to get this team in good shape headed into the draft.

They have some $28.3 million in cap room with which to try and add some upgrades, competition, and insurance at several position still in need. And there is still some talent out there who could provide what they need.

This is the top ten free agents still on the market who could come in and fill a need position for the Raiders.

ESPN lists AFC West team as best fit for former Dolphins CB Xavien Howard

ESPN gives best fit for former Dolphins CB Xavien Howard.

Just over a week ago, the Miami Dolphins officially released cornerback Xavien Howard, ending his eight-year tenure in aqua and orange.

During his time in South Florida, Howard was one of the most successful cornerbacks in the NFL, recording more interceptions than all but one player since he entered the league (former Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons, who is also a free agent, has one more interception in 18 more games).

Now, as Howard looks for his next opportunity, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell lists the Kansas City Chiefs as the best fit for the cornerback’s services this offseason.

Here’s what Barnwell had to say:

“I keep coming back to the Chiefs, who typically prefer younger cornerbacks but have a habit of signing overlooked playmakers in that spot. Howard’s ability to hold up in man coverage and create takeaways are skills that should appeal to them. This is less of a fit if L’Jarius Sneed comes back for 2024, but if the Chiefs trade their franchise-tagged cornerback, Howard could be one of the additions general manager Brett Veach makes to replace his top coverage guy from last season.”

Howard may not be playing his best football as he enters his age-30 season, but he can still be a difference-maker for the defending champions who are looking to become the first team to win three Super Bowls in a row.

Dolphins officially release CB Xavien Howard

Miami has officially released Xavien Howard.

The Miami Dolphins have been in a tough position when it comes to the salary cap this offseason, as they barely got salary cap compliant before the start of the new league year.

However, they’ll get more money in June, as the team officially released cornerback Xavien Howard with a failed physical designation.

This isn’t a surprising move, as Howard was informed of his pending release last month, and he’s already shut the door on returning to the team on a new contract to play in 2024.

His release will create $18.5 million in cap space.

The former Baylor Bear will finish his tenure with the Dolphins having made eight Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team while recording the second-most interceptions by anyone in the league since he was drafted in 2018.

Miami will need to address their starting cornerback situation at some point this offseason, as Kader Kohou and Cam Smith would currently be the team’s starters at outside and nickel cornerback if the season started today.

Report: Dolphins expected to finalize bringing back DB Nik Needham

The Dolphins keep another one of their DBs around.

Per Barry Jackson, the Dolphins are interested in bringing back defensive back, Nik Needham. An undrafted free agent in 2019, Needham re-signed with Miami last season, and clearly, the versatile boundary cornerback/turn slot-specialist/safety candidate’s work is not done in South Florida.

The potential deal will help maintain consistency in a secondary that will not have Xavien Howard, the longest-tenured defensive Dolphin from last year’s team. Connecting some dots, as a rookie, Needham subbed in for an injured Howard and performed well on the outside in 2019, playing in 12 games in which he started 11. He registered 11 passes defensed, including two interceptions in relief.

Needham followed his rookie year with two consecutive seasons in which he registered a pair of interceptions, and in 2021, he was considered a top-tier slot corner in the entire NFL. In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, his 2021 coverage grade from the slot was the best in the league (90.8), as he didn’t allow a single touchdown from that area of the field that season. 2022 was looking to continue that momentum until an Achilles injury occurred in Week 6 against the Minnesota Vikings, ending his season.

2023 was essentially a wash, as Needham rehabbed his injury and returned to the 53-man roster yet didn’t have ample opportunity to show his skills to then-defensive coordinator Vic Fangio during OTAs and training camp. A new defensive coordinator in Anthony Weaver could create a chance for Needham to return to his 2021 form if utilized in the slot, or should he be a prime candidate to step in for Xavien Howard, as he has proven to handle that task as well.

Intriguing as well is the fact that Needham has safety ability, and Miami does have a few more unrestricted free agents in DeShon Elliott and Brandon Jones to think about. The move to retain Needham creates flexibility, and it’s a bit unknown how this Dolphins’ secondary will look in 2024. All-World defensive back Jalen Ramsey could be used a bit more as a chess piece with this new scheme, and like Needham, fellow defensive backs Cam Smith and Kader Kohou could be moved around to different spots in the defensive backfield.

Whatever happens with the rest of the secondary, the defense, and the Dolphins, as a whole, is still up in the air. However, as this week ends, re-signing Needham was a step in the right direction. His work ethic, overall knowledge of the game, and potential are all reasons he was re-signed yet again by the team that saw his ability as a college student and took a chance on him five years ago.

Over his five-season career with the Dolphins, Needham has recorded 199 total tackles, 25 passes defensed, six interceptions, a forced fumble, and a recovered fumble. He also took an interception to the house against the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football back in 2021, a “Nik-6” as some would call it.

EDIT: The deal has been agreed to, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

2 recently released cornerbacks named as possible fits for the Commanders

Two veteran cornerbacks were named as potential fits for the Commanders, including one of the NFL’s best in recent years.

How will the Washington Commanders improve the cornerback position under new head coach Dan Quinn?

Washington spent a first-round pick on cornerback Emmanuel Forbes in the 2023 NFL draft, and he struggled. Third-year cornerback Benjamin St-Juste took a step back in 2023 after a promising second season.

As he had been for the previous three seasons, veteran Kendall Fuller remained the Commanders’ top cornerback.

Now, Fuller is a free agent. He’s also 29, and his knee has some injury concerns. Additionally, Fuller wants a raise from the $10 million he earned annually over the past four seasons, and that raise would be warranted. While the Commanders would love to keep Fuller, he likely makes more sense for a contender on a short-term deal.

Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. come from Dallas, where a Cowboys cornerback led the NFL in interceptions in two of the previous three years. DaRon Bland set an NFL record for most interceptions returned for touchdowns in a single season.

Whitt and secondary coach Tom Donatell’s primary goal is to fix Forbes. In his introductory press conference, Whitt said he liked Forbes coming out in last year’s draft.

Regardless, the Commanders must bring in veteran help. Some options exist depending on how much Washington wants to pay.

CBS Sports named 10 recent salary cap casualties and where they could best fit. Two cornerbacks, including Xavien Howard, were named potential fits for the Commanders.

Cornerback is a premier position in today’s NFL, and Howard has been one of the best for years now. He turns 31 in July, but is a four-time Pro Bowler and led the league in interceptions twice — including a 10-interception campaign in 2020. Howard’s streak of three straight Pro Bowls was snapped this past season, but he still recorded 12 passes defensed and one interception in 13 games played.

Howard seems like a long shot for Washington. He will probably earn more than the Commanders are willing to pay. General manager Adam Peters and Quinn will likely target a cheaper veteran and use the draft to add another corner as high as the second round. 

The other potential target was Darious Williams, recently released by the Jaguars.

One of the more underrated cap casualties so far. Williams was set to enter the final season of a three-year, $30 million contract with the Jags. He didn’t have any guaranteed money left on his deal, and his release saves Jacksonville $11.5 million against the cap. While Williams turns 31 this month, he tied for the team lead in interceptions this past season with four. He will absolutely have a market.

Williams is absolutely the type of player Washington could target on a one- or two-year deal with the Commanders.

Washington will be active in free agency, but don’t expect the Commanders to go big-game hunting, instead focusing on team fits and familiarity.