Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Marcus Mosher

Could the Raiders be a fit for free-agent CB Xavien Howard?

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.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.