The Miami Dolphins found themselves in a tough cap situation heading into the start of the 2024 league year. With big contracts facing down the potential to secure and resign big-name players, the team had some tough choices to make.
One of those tough choices was getting rid of Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard. Howard has spent his entire career with the Dolphins, and became one of the most feared lockdown corners in that time.
In his eight seasons with the Dolphins, Howard has secured 29 interceptions, which is the most of any player since 2016. Despite being a stalwart piece of Miami’s defense, the team chose to move on from their star CB.
Howard is now one of the best available free agents but has yet to sign with a new team. It could be that his past injuries and age are making teams wary of bringing him in, or they are worried about what kind of contract he could demand. Either way, Howard has finally stated which NFL team he wishes to play for in the 2024 season.
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Howard joined “The OGs Podcast” where he revealed to co-hosts Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller that he wishes to land with the Houston Texans.
Howard was asked if the Texans are a realistic option, to which the CB stated, “Yeah, it’s a realistic option.”
It’s more of a realistic option for Howard, as he is from Houston, Texas. Joining his hometown dream is likely a big goal for him, as it is for many professional football players.
Howard and the hosts go into detail about how exciting the Texans are, which is certainly true. First-time head coach DeMarco Ryans turned the team into one of the most exciting and fun teams to watch in 2023.
Rookie QB sensation C.J. Shroud ignited the offense while DE Will Anderson Jr. helped jumpstart the defensive attack, securing seven sacks of his own.
In what was supposed to be more of a rebuild year, the Texans secured a 10-7 record and picked up a playoff berth. The Texans dominated the Browns in the wildcard round of the playoffs, winning with a lopsided score of 45-14.
However, they were handily beaten by the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round 34-10. Regardless of their loss in the divisional round of the playoffs, Ryans helped to change the culture of this team.
If the Texans added Howard, he could line up across from CB Derek Stingley Jr., who secured five interceptions in 2023. Stingeley Jr. and Howard would be a scary one-two CB combination in the NFL.
The Texans do have Jeff Okudah, and just traded for C.J. Henderson—but Howard would elevate this unit even more if he were signed.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.