The Cincinnati Bengals are hosting veteran cornerback Xavien Howard for a visit today, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.
Howard played eight years with the Miami Dolphins and made the Pro Bowl four times but he hasn’t been able to find a home during the 2024 season to this point after being cut by the Dolphins in the spring.
The Bengals’ defense has been towards the bottom of the league this season and has been part of a 4-6 record they hold through 10 games, which is 3.5 games back in the AFC North. With two big games coming up against the Los Angeles Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati might be feeling the pressure of a possible playoff spot slipping away for the second straight season.
There is a connection between the Bengals and Howard. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo was Howard’s defensive backs coach with the Dolphins from 2012-17 when the corner was at his best.
Howard has played 100 games in his career with 95 passes defended and 29 interceptions and at 30 years old, the Bengals might be hoping that he could provide a spark to their unit.
