Xavien Howard is probably the best cornerback remaining on the free agent market, and the latest injury news could lead to a signing. Marshon Lattimore suffered a hamstring injury in Week 1’s blowout win over the Carolina Panthers, putting his status for Week 2 in doubt. Lattimore himself said the injury is no big deal and Nick Underhill of New Orleans Football confirmed as much, but hamstring injuries tend to linger. Seeing as Lattimore missed 17 games over the past two seasons, New Orleans could sign Howard as insurance in the event Lattimore has to miss time.
This potential signing could come as an unwelcome surprise for the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans. Arguably the two best teams in the AFC, both organizations could use additional help at cornerback and likely had an eye on free agent Xavien Howard. Could the Saints steal Howard away from these two franchises, or will the AFC contenders sign Howard before New Orleans gets the opportunity?
Free Agent Xavien Howard Could Sign With Saints, Spurn Chiefs, Texans
The Kansas City Chiefs had the NFL’s best cornerback duo last year with Trent McDuffie and L’Jarius Sneed locking down opposing wide receivers. McDuffie is still in town, but with L’Jarius Sneed now on the Titans, Kansas City could use some more depth at cornerback. Joshua Williams inherited Sneed’s spot in the starting lineup and, for what it’s worth, the former first-round pick played well in Week 1’s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Xavien Howard isn’t the player he once was, and the free agent likely wouldn’t start ahead of Williams, but you can never have too much depth at the cornerback position.
The Chiefs offense looks as deadly as ever, which is bad news for the rest of the league. Patrick Mahomes remains the gold standard at quarterback, Rashee Rice won’t be suspended any time soon, and first-round pick Xavier Worthy scored two touchdowns in his NFL debut. Opposing teams will need to throw early and often to keep up with this high-octane passing attack, which means Howard should see the field frequently, even as a backup. He might not have another All-Pro season in him, but he still has a great nose for the ball and should thrive in Kansas City’s scheme.
Texans Building A Contender
The Houston Texans embraced the rebuild after trading Deshaun Watson all those years ago, and now they’re bearing the fruits of their efforts. C.J. Stroud is the real deal, the front seven is ferocious, and the wide receiver trio of Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, and Tank Dell is as good as any you’ll find in football. The one Achilles heel on this team is the cornerback position, as Houston could use a few more reliable playmakers. Former third-overall pick Derek Stingley is great, but this team is one injury away from starting former Detroit Lions bust Jeff Okudah.
Xavien Howard is a considerably better free agent option who should immediately see the field in nickel defenses. Houston’s defense struggled to stop the talented but inconsistent Anthony Richardson in Week 1, so imagine what Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen could do to this secondary. Howard isn’t a lockdown corner anymore, but average cornerback play from your third option could be the difference between winning and losing a close playoff matchup.
Main Photo: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
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