The Baltimore Ravens‘ cornerback situation isn’t bad by any means, but given Marlon Humphrey’s penchant toward getting injured, they may need some insurance at the position.
That’s why Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus sees the Ravens as a great fit for Xavien Howard, who was cut by the Miami Dolphins earlier this offeason.
Howard is coming off of a 2023 campaign in which he played 13 games and registered 45 tackles, an interception and 12 passes defended.
The Dolphins cut Howard to clear cap space, which was certainly an easier decision for them now after a rather lackluster season for the four-time Pro Bowler.
Howard, who played his collegiate football at Baylor, was selected by Miami in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Injuries limited him to just seven games during his rookie year, but the following season, Howard established himself as a full-time starter, appearing in all 16 contests and recording 48 tackles, a sack, four picks, 13 passes defended and a defensive touchdown.
Then, in 2018, Howard broke out, leading the league with seven interceptions in spite of participating in just 12 games. He added 35 tackles, a fumble recovery and 12 passes defended en route to his first Pro Bowl appearance.
Howard was once again thwarted by injuries in 2019, where he played just five games. But in 2020, the 30-year-old racked up an NFL-best 10 picks and 20 passes defended to go along with 51 tackles and a forced fumble, making another trip to the Pro Bowl and earning a First-Team All-Pro selection.
Howard proceeded to make three straight trips to the Pro Bowl between 2020 and 2022, although it became clear by the latter campaign that he was beginning to decline.
Still, the veteran remains a very viable defensive back that could certainly help a contender, and Baltimore definitely represents a tantalizing fit for him.
We’ll see if the Ravens end up making a play for Howard.
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