Star Cornerback Xavien Howard to Part Ways with Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins have made the decision to part ways with star cornerback Xavien Howard, marking the end of an era in their defensive backfield. Howard, a four-time Pro Bowler and one-time First-Team All-Pro, had three years remaining on his contract with the team.

Howard, known for his playmaking ability and ball-hawking skills, joined the Dolphins as a second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. His 29 career interceptions rank him among the league’s top defenders in that category over the past eight seasons.

Following the release of Howard, the Dolphins are set to save a significant amount of cap space, a move that signals a shift in their roster strategy ahead of the new league year. This decision comes on the heels of another cost-cutting move by Miami, which has now cleared over $30 million in cap room.

With Howard now hitting the free agent market, several teams are expected to show interest in acquiring the veteran cornerback’s services for the upcoming season. Among the potential landing spots mentioned for Howard are the Houston Texans, Detroit Lions, Washington Commanders, Las Vegas Raiders, and Minnesota Vikings.

The Texans, coming off a successful season in the AFC South, could benefit from Howard’s experience and skill set to bolster their defense further. Meanwhile, the Lions and Commanders, both in need of defensive upgrades, may see Howard as a key addition to strengthen their respective secondaries.

As the offseason progresses, Howard’s future in the league remains uncertain, but his track record of success and playmaking ability make him a highly sought-after asset in free agency. With multiple teams vying for his services, Howard’s decision on his next destination will be one to watch as the NFL landscape continues to evolve.