The Miami Dolphins need to rebuild their secondary, and the situation may get worse before it gets better while contending with the imminent departure of Jalen Ramsey. They could turn to a familiar face to fill the void.
With a lot of turnover in the secondary, Miami Dolphins ‘ General Manager Chris Grier said the franchise would be active in free agency after the draft. Here’s a look at one option worth exploring.
Miami Dolphins star could make a return in 2025
Former Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard didn’t play in 2024, but he had made it clear he wanted to. The All-Pro corner was released by Miami before the season, largely due to cap considerations. He is yet to suit up for any other franchise, and could be available to the team that drafted him back in 2016.
Howard had been dealing with a foot injury that cost him the final two games of the 2023 season. He was then cut by the team as a post-June 1st release.
Despite telling teams he was cleared for activity before the 2024 NFL draft, Howard never signed with a team. He had said he wanted to play for a contender, but no deal was agreed with any franchise in the NFL.
Throwback Play of the Day: Xavien Howard picks Mac Jones, jukes Mac Jones, and dives into the endzone for a touchdown! – Week 18, 2021 ❌pic.twitter.com/FIef7mD3Ar
— SleeperDolphins (@SleeperMiami) April 10, 2025
The cornerback subsequently sat out the 2024 campaign, but continued to work out in preparation for a return to the league. Howard has been coaching the secondary at Western High School in Broward County. The four-time Pro Bowler will turn 32 years old in July, but he still lives in Miami and a return to the Dolphins could make sense for both sides.
Howard was a Pro Bowler in three straight seasons between 2020 and 2022, but saw his play decline in 2023 due to injury. He only had one down year, and while he’s now considered a one-year contract kind of veteran, it likely wouldn’t be expensive for the Dolphins to add him back into the mix.
Dolphins reporter Omar Kelly has been an advocate for the Dolphins bringing Howard back, and it would make a lot of sense given the team’s current dynamic at the cornerback position.
No. Shedeur isn’t for Miami. While his skill set is similar to Tua, the Dolphins need players ready to contribute tomorrow unless they plan to sign someone like Xavien Howard after the draft https://t.co/e5Vm9vqqlx
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) April 26, 2025
If Jalen Ramsey is traded, and it’s looking like he will be, Miami will be left short at corner. They’ve already cut Kendall Fuller after just one season with the team, which would leave them with 2023 second-rounder Cam Smith, plus Kader Kohou and Storm Duck.
Miami need help in the secondary, and quickly
The Dolphins drafted Florida Gators cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. in the 2025 fifth round, but they are still drastically short of starting-caliber defenders at the position.
It’s a very inexperienced group, and a veteran presence like Xavien Howard could provide much-needed relief, even if it is just for the 2025 NFL season.
Miami are thought to have interest in James Bradberry, and there are various other veterans available. Super Bowl champion and former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore is looking for his next opportunity, while the likes of Rasul Douglas and Mike Hilton are still unsigned.
