According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Miami Dolphins will release Xavien Howard, a former four-time Pro
Bowl and All-Pro cornerback. This development implies Howard will be a free agent at the start of the league season.
Garofolo said on X: “The #Dolphins have notified CB Xavien Howard that he will be released at the start of the
league year, sources tell me and @PSchrags. The four-time Pro Bowl selection is likely to generate a lot of interest on
the market.
The Indianapolis Colts, who have a great but untested secondary, must move quickly to get Howard. Here are three
compelling reasons to sign a contract.
The National Football League is a “what have you done for me lately?” league. Howard is coming off a disappointing
season by his standards. In 2023, he recorded 45 tackles, 12 passes defensed, and an interception for the Dolphins.
However, his Pro Football Focus defensive metrics reveal a more complex reality. Howard had a dismal 51.9
coverage grade on 475 snaps, ranking second only to cornerback Kader Kohou.
While Howard didn’t look his best in 2023, it’s undeniable to forget what he’s done in previous seasons. Drafted in
2016 in the second round of the NFL Draft out of Baylor, he immediately hit the ground running and didn’t look back
for seven straight campaigns. So far, he’s notched four Pro Bowls and two All-Pro nominations (first and second-
team).