The Raiders have addressed most of their biggest weaknesses in free agency, including quarterback and defensive tackle. But the one spot they have yet to add to is cornerback. While free agency isn’t over, the market is drying up quickly.
So which cornerback could the Raiders be interested in signing to improve the depth in the secondary? In a recent article by Bill Barnwell of ESPN, he ranked the top 19 free agents still on the market.
Coming in at No. 1 was Xavien Howard, formerly the cornerback of the Miami Dolphins. Here is why Barnwell believes he can still be an elite player in the NFL:
Howard was officially released at the start of the league year by the Dolphins. He will have interest from multiple teams, too, due to his perimeter coverage traits and on-the-ball production. Howard has 29 interceptions in eight seasons, and he can elevate a contending secondary.
Howard isn’t a long-term solution for the Raiders as he’ll turn 31 during the 2024 season, but he could prove to be an upgrade over what they have on their roster right now. On a one-year deal, Howard would make a lot of sense for a defense that needs more ballhawks.
