Xavien Howard: A Top Free Agent Cornerback and Potential Fit for the Green Bay Packers
Xavien Howard remains one of the top free agent cornerbacks available, with Stephon Gilmore being the only cornerback arguably ahead of him on the market. Drafted in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Howard has built a reputation as one of the league’s best ballhawks over the past decade. In 2020, he earned First-Team All-Pro honors with an impressive 10 interceptions and 20 passes defended, along with one forced fumble, 51 tackles, and one tackle-for-loss.
Decline with Age but Still Valuable
Although Howard, a four-time Pro Bowler, isn’t performing at his peak due to age, he remains a capable player. The Miami Dolphins, facing financial constraints, had to release him. Bleacher Report suggests that the Green Bay Packers would be an excellent fit for Howard.
Packers’ Cornerback Situation
During the 2023 season, the Packers traded cornerback Rasul Douglas and did not significantly address the cornerback position until they drafted Kalen King from Penn State in the seventh round. Adding a seasoned veteran like Howard could strengthen their cornerback room. Despite battling a foot injury last season, Howard managed to hold opposing quarterbacks to an 81.3 passer rating in coverage. At nearly 31 years old, he still has the potential to enhance a secondary.
Potential Impact for the Packers
Howard’s performance dipped last year, largely due to his foot injury. Now medically cleared, he could be a dependable CB2 for Green Bay’s defense. The departure of defensive coordinator Joe Barry could be beneficial, but the Packers still need to bolster their secondary. Improved defensive play, combined with quarterback Jordan Love’s progress, could propel the Packers to a deep playoff run.
Competition for Howard
The Packers are not the only team that might pursue Xavien Howard. High-quality cornerback play is highly valued in the NFL, especially given the recent rule changes favoring the offense. While Howard may no longer be able to shut down the top receivers, he can still significantly upgrade most teams’ depth charts.
### Conclusion
Xavien Howard, despite being past his prime, remains a valuable free agent cornerback. The Green Bay Packers could greatly benefit from his experience and skills, especially given their current need to strengthen their secondary. His addition could be a key factor in improving the team’s defense and aiding a potential playoff push.
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