Entering the 2025 regular season, there’s a chance that free agent Xavien Howard could return to the Miami Dolphins in a possible reunion. According to a report, Miami Herald’s Omar Kelly supports the idea of Howard returning to the team after missing the entire 2024 campaign due to other outside obligations. Originally selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the former Baylor product was hoping to find a new team before the start of the season last year. The cornerback had conversations with the Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals, but they couldn’t come to an agreement on a contract that fits both.
There’s still a chance that Howard could play again in the NFL, and the Dolphins look like the realistic option since they’re exploring a trade for Jalen Ramsey this offseason. Last year, the team took a chance on Kendall Fuller to salvage their secondary unit, but there’s a possibility that Howard could come back at least on a one-year deal. However, the Dolphins won’t be the only destination for him since there could be plenty of teams out there that need a cornerback, and Howard could fill the hole on their rosters. The two-time NFL interceptions leader had a stellar career in Miami, recording 29 interceptions, two sacks and 331 total tackles.
Howard became an afterthought, but these two other teams could take a chance on him to win a ring since he preferred to sign with a contender.
Chargers, Ravens Could Intervene In Possible Dolphins Xavien Howard Reunion
Old-School Jim Style
Head Coach Jim Harbaugh wants to win football games in the trenches, but they can’t avoid upgrading their secondary. Despite signing Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste, they could sign another cornerback to provide some relief alongside Cam Hart. He might not be ready for the starting role, so the Chargers should use their enormous cap space to work out a deal for Howard. If the Chargers want to become a fierce competitor in the AFC against names like Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, a guy like Howard could hold it down as a veteran presence.
Accommodating Marlon Humphrey
Unlike his brother Jim, John Harbaugh believes in having a deep secondary. Marlon Humphrey is arguably the best cornerback in the league, but he’s getting up there in age and could use some reinforcements to help stabilize this group. It’s a little soul-crushing that the Ravens signed Chidobe Awuzie even on a one-year deal after his disastrous season in Tennessee last year. 2024 draft pick Nate Wiggins will need to step up in a huge way if the Ravens want to see some progress after letting Brandon Stephens walk in free agency.
However, that shouldn’t be the case, as the Ravens could take a chance on Howard. The veteran may be past his prime, but the Ravens have one of the best defensive systems and could get something out of the cornerback. Baltimore never fails to be a postseason contender every year, and Howard playing in that scenery could be something special that no one has seen before.
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