One of the most important areas to improve by the Indianapolis Colts this offseason is their defense, which has surrendered 3,842 opposing passing yards, 21 passing touchdowns, 2,105 rushing yards, and 22 rushing touchdowns during the 2023 campaign.
And with one of the most productive cornerbacks available in free agency soon, they might have to consider bringing him on, and the guy that we’re talking about is Xavien Howard.
Xavien Howard is reported to be a cut candidate for the Miami Dolphins this summer, which would see them save around $18.5 million in cap space. Many members of the Miami Dolphins don’t like to see him go, so they know that the team that swoops Xavien Howard up is a lucky one.
Why signing Xavien Howard is a no-brainer for the Indianapolis Colts?
Xavien Howard’s body of work speaks for itself. The 30-year-old has been amongst the most productive cornerbacks in the NFL since he entered the league in 2016 when he was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second round.
Howard is a four-time Pro Bowler and a two-time NFL interceptions leader. His best year was in 2020, when he had career-highs of 51 combined tackles (40 solo), a league-leading 10 interceptions, and 20 passes defended, as well as one forced fumble.
Yes, Xavien Howard reportedly prefers to join the Houston Texans since he’s from Houston, but he should consider the Indianapolis Colts too because it makes sense as a potential fit for his skillset.
How would Xavien Howard fit in with the Indianapolis Colts?
The Indianapolis Colts already has a Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback in Kenny Moore, but other than him, the team relied on youngsters like Darrell Baker, JuJu Brents, and Jaylon Jones, which resulted in them yielding 6.8 yards per pass attempt – good for 22nd in the league.
If they bring in Xavien Howard to their ranks, he will instantly be a starter for the Indianapolis Colts defense, which already has the likes of DeForest Buckner, Shaquille Leonard, and Zaire Franklin.
Back in Miami, Xavien Howard had Jalen Ramsey, and the hope for Indiana is that he can form the same potent CB partnership with Kenny Moore.
