Is Dolphins Star Xavien Howard A Fit For Texans' Secondary?
Maybe Xavien Howard has lost a step over the past two seasons, but he hasn't lost the love of fans.
Including fans who would love to see him don a Houston Texans jersey next fall.
Howard, who will be released by the Miami Dolphins at the start of the new calendar year, might end up being the piece missing from Houston's defense that separates the AFC South franchise from other opponents in the race to compete alongside Kansas City.
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Yes, Steven Nelson was a stable No. 2 option opposite Derek Stingely Jr., but a four-time Pro Bowl talent and former All-Pro rarely hits the open market before the end of their prime.
Fans have made it clear they would love to see the Houston native return home to close out his career. Players, including former Dolphins' first-round pick and All-Pro left tackle Laremy Tunsil, voiced their opinions on the matter.
Will that factor into Nick Caserio's decision-making this offseason? Likely not. However, pricing could determine whether the Texans swing big for an up-and-coming younger option or believe Howard's best days are ahead of him.
When healthy, Howard remains a top-level corner with the attentiveness, footwork and fluidity to mirror any top receiver. Since being drafted out of Baylor in 2016, only Denver Broncos' Justin Simmons (30) has more interceptions than Howard's 29
Last season, Howard graded out with a 55.1 overall mark from Pro Football Focus, but a 63.9 grade in run defense. The turnover ratio has decreased dramatically over the past two seasons. Howard, who led the NFL with 10 in 2020, has only totaled seven over the past three years.
That doesn't mean Howard won't command attention. Multiple reports believe Howard will be one of the more sought-after options on the market when released given his experience.
He also likely would be willing to sign a short-term deal compared to Chicago Bears' Jaylon Johnson or Kansas City Chiefs' L'Jarius Sneed, who are looking to cash in after breakout 2023 seasons.
Houston, which allowed the 10th-most passing yards last season, could afford to bring in Howard for the short term. The Texans have over $67 million in cap space, though they also feature the most free agents at 38.
What's the going rate? A two-year, $22 million deal with an annual salary of around $11 million. Caserio would have to entertain the idea.
A four-year $75 million asking price? Best of luck to you and your future success should be the only answer from the GM's mouth when the 30-year-old presents the case.
The Texans need cornerback help. They could turn to the draft at No. 23 to find a long-term running mate opposite their former No. 3 selection. They could wait until Day 2, targeting prospects like Kamari Lassiter (Georgia), Kalen King (Penn State) or Kris Abrams-Draine (Missouri).
Howard's name carries weight in negotiation, but his on-field work could cause his asking price to dip. In the middle, the Texans could be the ideal location for a player like Howard to rebound.
The same could be said for 31 other franchises in need of a veteran No. 2 defensive back opposite their top cover man, so it all comes down to the brass tax — or rather brass green.
