The Baltimore Ravens have lost some significant pieces on defense during free agency this season, but could be primed ot land one of the best available defensive backs in hopes of closing the gap on the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC.
Pro Football Focus believes former Miami Dolphins All-Pro Xavien Howard would be an ideal fit in the Ravens’ secondary.
“Howard was released after a great eight-year run in Miami,” Brad Spielberger writes for PFF. “With his coverage grades dipping into the 50s in each of the past two seasons. He has expressed a strong desire to play for a contender, and has even said he’d be open to taking less money to chase a ring. Pivoting to playing more man coverage could get him back to where he excelled earlier in his career”
Howard was released by the Dolphins prior to free agency, but is the caliber of player who can elevate an entire defense. Prior to falling victim to being a cap casualty, Howard had signed a five-year deal worth $90 million with the Dolphins prior to the 2022 season.
What Xavien Howard Would Bring Baltimore Ravens
A four-time Pro Bowler, and First-Team All-Pro selection in 2020, Howard would add a dominant veteran presence to the Ravens’ secondary.
Last season, Howard, while not the player that he once was, showed that he still has the ability to be a lockdown cornerback by holding opposing quarterbacks to a meager 86.7 passer rating when targeting him. Howard finished the 2023 campaign with 45 total tackles and one interception.
Returning to a scheme where Howard can play man-to-man coverage could be alluring, but the veteran seems primed to try chasing a ring at his next destination.
“I’d rather take a pay cut to go to a team that’s going to go further in the playoffs,” Howard recently said. “I got my money and stuff like that. I’m to the point, like, ‘How much money do you really need?’ My goal is always to try to win a Super Bowl.
“Don’t let the money get in the way of winning a Super Bowl. Some people get paid, and some people win a Super Bowl. Some people do both. You do both, you’re different. I want to be different. I want to win a Super Bowl now. I already got paid, so now (winning a Super Bowl) is what I’m looking forward to.”
The Ravens currently have upwards of $12 million in cap space, a need at cornerback, and could be an ideal fit for Howard in this second wave of free agency.
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