Former All-Pro CB medically cleared for football activities

Xavien Howard‘s time with the Dolphins is over, but he is one of the more accomplished free agents still available. The former All-Pro corner is back to full health, so his market could soon see movement.

Howard has received clearance for football activities, as noted by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The 30-year-old was limited to 13 games in 2023 as he dealt with a foot injury, but he has now recovered. 

Miami designated Howard a post-June 1 cut, and a reunion on a low-cost deal is not in the cards.

Few developments have been seen since Howard confirmed he will be playing on a new team in 2024. The four-time Pro Bowler has, however, expressed interest in a Texans deal. 

Houston was busy in free agency at the cornerback spot, bringing in C.J. Henderson, Jeff Okudah and Myles Bryant this offseason. The team also used its top pick (No. 42) on Kamari Lassiter during the draft, adding another starting-caliber option into the mix.

For that reason, Howard may need to look elsewhere in terms of potential new landing spots. The Texans do, on the other hand, have over $23M in cap space, and Howard has indicated a willingness to take less on a new deal if it allows him to join a contender. 

After making a surprise run to the divisional round of the postseason last year, Houston would certainly qualify in that regard.

Howard has twice led the NFL in interceptions (recording seven in 2018 and 10 in 2020), but he posted just one in each of the past two seasons. The Baylor product also surrendered four touchdowns and allowed a passer rating of 101.2 in 2022, although last season the latter figure saw a notable rebound. 

Many veterans take one-year pacts when signed after the draft, and it would come as no surprise if Howard were to follow suit this year. Still, it will be interesting to see if he fields offers from CB-needy teams in the near future.