Xavien Howard, the star cornerback for the Miami Dolphins, has been released by the team, making him one of the most sought-after free agents in the upcoming offseason. Howard had three years left on his contract but was let go by the Dolphins in a cost-cutting move. The team will save $18.5 million in salary cap space by designating Howard as a post-June 1 release.
Howard has been a standout player throughout his career, with 29 interceptions since entering the league in 2016. In 2020, he led the league with 10 interceptions and earned his first First-Team All-Pro selection. His four Pro Bowl selections with the Dolphins are tied for the second-most in franchise history by a defensive back.
The Dolphins also released edge rusher Emmanuel Ogbah, saving them over $30 million in cap room. With these moves, Miami is looking to create flexibility to potentially sign their rookie draft class in the summer.
As a result of his release, Howard will now be one of the top targets for teams in need of a cornerback. Some potential landing spots for him include the Houston Texans, Detroit Lions, Washington Commanders, Las Vegas Raiders, and Minnesota Vikings.
The Texans are looking to build on their recent success and have a solid foundation on defense. With a significant amount of cap space, they could afford to bring in Howard to bolster their secondary. The Lions, despite exceeding expectations in their rebuild, still need help in their pass defense. Howard’s experience could be valuable to their young defensive backfield.
The Commanders had the worst defense in the league last season and are in desperate need of upgrades. With ample cap space and a high draft pick, they have the resources to make a splash in free agency. Howard could immediately become their top cornerback and provide much-needed stability.
The Raiders showed improvement on defense last season but still struggled against the pass. With a starting cornerback set to become a free agent, Howard could step in and make an impact. The Vikings, under defensive coordinator Brian Flores, saw improvement on defense but still had issues defending the pass. A reunion with Flores in Minnesota could benefit both parties.
Ultimately, Howard’s landing spot will depend on various factors, including each team’s cap space and other roster needs. However, there is no doubt that he will be a highly sought-after player in free agency, given his impressive track record and playmaking ability.