CB Xavien Howard wants to play in 2024

Xavier Howard has been on the market since being released by the Dolphins in February. The veteran cornerback was linked to a new contract in Miami for a while, but it has long been known that a reunion is out of the question.

Howard – a Houston native – expressed interest in signing with the Texans shortly after free agency began, but that didn't lead to a deal or even negotiations on that front. The 31-year-old was medically cleared in early May, but that didn't lead to a market developing (including, most recently, a lack of interest from the Colts).

Howard was named in a civil lawsuit stemming from allegations that he took and distributed photos and videos of sexual acts with women without their consent, along with claims that he texted sexually explicit material to the son of a woman he impregnated after she refused to have an abortion. No criminal action has been taken in Howard's case, and it remains to be seen whether there will be a league investigation (coupled with a possible suspension for personal conduct). That helps explain why the four-time Pro Bowler is still unsigned, but he intends to continue his career in 2024.

As Armando Salguero of Outkick writes, Howard will “play” this season, suggesting a contract could be negotiated at some point during the season. Salaries in veteran contracts become fully guaranteed just before Week 1, so it would be a surprise if a team sought a contract in the near future. Still, some suitors could show interest, especially if injuries occur in the secondary. Salguero names the Texans, Broncos and Vikings as teams that could be possible targets due to the familiarity between Howard and those teams' respective defensive coordinators.

The Baylor product has spent his entire eight-year career with the Dolphins so far, starting in all but one of his 102 total regular and postseason appearances. Howard led the league in interceptions in 2018 and 2020, but he was limited to just a single pick in each of the last two years. Concerns about his limited production and his legal situation could keep Howard a free agent well into the season, but the possibility of taking time away from the game has not been considered.