The NFL landscape has shifted as cornerback Xavien Howard, formerly of the Miami Dolphins, is set to make his return to professional football by signing with the Indianapolis Colts. After spending a year away from the game, Howard’s signing marks a significant moment for both him and the Colts as they gear up for the upcoming season.
Dolphins’ Decision-Making Under Scrutiny
The Dolphins are in urgent need of cornerback support, yet General Manager Chris Grier has not pursued Howard’s return. Instead, Miami is preparing to add pass rusher Matt Judon, raising questions about potential trades involving their current edge rushers. With the Dolphins set to face the Colts in their season opener, Howard will have the chance to demonstrate his skills against his former team.
Howard’s exit from Miami was not marked by fanfare. The Dolphins faced a harsh reality as injuries and age diminished his performance. Despite once being a standout player, his large contract—still accounting for $15.6 million in dead cap space—proved unsustainable for a team looking to balance its salary cap.
Grier had shown a commitment to Howard during his tenure but ultimately had to make difficult choices. The Dolphins’ secondary, once considered one of their strongest units, now finds itself in a precarious position without Howard on the roster. While there were no indications that Miami intended to bring him back, the decision not to retain him could be viewed as a missed opportunity.
Howard’s New Chapter with the Colts
After a year out of the league, Howard will need to regain his fitness to make an immediate impact with the Colts. Although he was expected to find work last year, he struggled to secure a contract, leading many to speculate whether he might land with the Houston Texans, his hometown team. Now, in Indianapolis, the challenge will be for Howard to prove he can stay healthy and perform at a high level.
The upcoming matchup between the Dolphins and the Colts will serve as a crucial test for Howard. As he embarks on this new chapter, it remains to be seen how effectively he can re-establish himself in the league. Miami’s decision to part ways with him, despite his reputation, underscores the complexities teams face in balancing talent with salary cap realities.
In summary, while Howard’s name carries historical weight as a former Pro Bowl corner, the Dolphins’ choice to move on illustrates the evolving dynamics of professional football. As the season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Howard performs in his return and what it means for the Dolphins going forward.
