Houston Homecoming? Free Agent Xavien Howard 'Wouldn't Mind' Signing with Texans
There is no better time for the Houston Texans to go big-game hunting than this offseason.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud has rendered Houston competitive in a busy AFC, and with the window his rookie contract provides, the Texans have the means to be legitimate players in free agency. Fortunately for them, this year’s class of veterans is strong. Stars like Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones and New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley will make this spring’s transactions interesting.
While Houston will certainly check in on several highly touted free agents, one position that should see additional attention is cornerback. With veteran Steven Nelson headed to the open market and slot corner Desmond King not far behind, they are in need of reinforcements.
Nov 27, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard (25) breaks up a pass for Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Perhaps Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard could be a fit. The veteran was informed that he’ll be released at the start of the new league year as Miami looks to navigate the rocky waters of limited cap space.
Howard has sworn off the Dolphins, saying the “door is closed” on a potential return. However, Howard is a born-and-raised Houstonian, a factor that could play into his decision.
How do the Texans fit into his preferred options? Howard elaborated on his free agency on “The Joe Rose Show.”
“There’s a few teams I’d be interested to play for, man,” Howard said (ht AllDolphins at SI).“I’m at the point I just want to win. I want to go deep into the playoffs. I’m sure there’s gonna be teams interested, but I’m going to be focused on teams that have been deep in the playoffs that can make a big run.”
Houston doesn’t immediately fit into that box, having lost in the AFC Divisional Round. But it's hard to argue they aren’t on a trajectory toward legitimately competitive seasons. The burden of expectations could slow their progress, but anything less than another playoff win will be viewed as a failure.
Making that jump requires building on the foundations of a roster that exceeded every expectation in 2023. Although younger teams tend to be locked into rookie contracts, the Texans can attribute much of their success to veterans performing well in a contract year. Edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, linebacker Blake Cashman, running back Devin Singletary, and others saw new heights on the verge of free agency.
Thus, it will be on Houston to assert itself as a competitor by making the requisite upgrades. Howard, it seems, could be a candidate. A chance to play with former Dolphins teammate and franchise left tackle Laremy Tunsil could prove meaningful.
“Oh yeah, oh yeah, that’s my guy,” Howard said. “Me and LT always been talking, we were in the same draft class, we always have a relationship. I wouldn’t mind seeing myself back at home. It’d be easy for me, especially being home. I already have a crib out there. They got a good young team and I wouldn’t mind.”
It’s worth noting that Houston may not be as keen on striking a deal.
There are several starting-caliber corners available, and one could argue Howard has the highest ceiling of the bunch – he was an All-Pro in 2020 and has four Pro Bowls to his name. Yet, that ceiling may be permanently out of reach.
Howard’s ball production has waned in recent years – from 10 interceptions to five and then back-to-back seasons with just one – and the returns in coverage haven’t been promising. Per Pro Football Focus’ coverage grade, he ranked 74th among 83 qualified corners in 2023. The year prior, he sat 56th out of 67.
Howard is a ballhawk who may have lost a step, and the aggression is a bit harder to get away with. Entering his age-31 season and with signs of decline making themselves known, Houston is likely more inclined to look elsewhere this offseason.
