Report: Raiders Perfect Fit for Veteran Cornerback

The Las Vegas Raiders have already made a splash by signing one former Miami Dolphins standout. They could be the perfect fit for another former Dolphins star player.

The Las Vegas Raiders are in the middle of filling holes on their roster that have been there, and holes created by free agency have already made one splash move this offseason. Defensively, the Raiders made one of the most significant moves of any team this offseason by signing defensive lineman Christian Wilkins, who has the potential to help make the Raiders’ defense one of the best in the league. 

However, the Raiders also lost cornerback Amik Robertson to free agency this season, creating a pressing need for another cornerback to be added to the roster. Jack Jones and Nate Hobbs are both quality starters, but the Raiders have little depth behind those players. Although the Raiders have multiple talented defensive backs behind Jones and Hobbs, most are inexperienced. 

Dan Pizzuta, NFL Analyst for The 33rd Team, suggests the Raiders are the best fit for veteran cornerback Xavien Howard.

“For years, Xavien Howard was a physical man corner and one of the most productive in that role,” Pizzuta said. “At 30 years old, Howard didn’t have the same juice on the outside and struggled in man and zone coverage, allowing 1.2 yards per coverage snap in each. Howard can still be aggressive, and a defense that allows him to do that off the line and then play more zone coverage on the backend could be the veteran’s best fit.

“The Las Vegas Raiders fit that mold because their defensive looks were more multiple after Antonio Pierce took over as the coach. The Raiders have also leaned into defense this offseason, filling out that side of the ball while the offense gets figured out. Howard would pair with Jack Jones on the outside and provide more depth for the Raiders at the position.

“Brandon Facyson and Jakorian Bennett would be behind them, with Nate Hobbs in the slot. Las Vegas has about $20 million in effective cap space, and it wouldn’t cost much to bring in Howard this late in the offseason, especially with a fairly dormant cornerback market.” 

Howard is a four-time Pro Bowler who was selected by the Dolphins in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.

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