Why the Lions should target CB Xavien Howard

Cornerback Xavien Howard.

The Detroit Lions are coming off one of the best seasons in franchise history, winning 12 regular-season games, earning their first division title since 1993 and appearing in their second NFC Championship Game.

With a winning mentality established, the Lions should be looking down every avenue to improve. One of their best remaining options to do so is free-agent cornerback Xavien Howard, the former Miami Dolphins standout.

Only 30, Howard has a strong résumé that includes four Pro Bowls, one All-Pro selection and a third-place finish in the Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2020.

Howard is also coming off arguably one of the best seasons of his career. In 2023, he allowed 39 completions for 419 yards and a career-low one touchdown and posted a solid 81.3 passer rating on 62 targets, per Pro Football Reference.

Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report recently noted the Lions, Chiefs and Texans are the best fits for Howard, who would be a significant upgrade in a Detroit secondary that needs one.

In 2023 per NFL.com, the Lions gave up the fourth-most passing yards (4,562) in the league, sixth-most touchdowns (28), second-most yards per attempt (7.8) and the most passes of 20+ yards (69). Those numbers aren’t good enough for a team looking to play in its first Super Bowl.

Following the recent release of cornerback Cameron Sutton, Detroit clearly needs help in the secondary. It’s also a spot the front office wants to retool, as it already has acquired cornerback Carlton Davis lll from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a third-round pick in 2024.

Howard’s market value probably isn’t close to what he was to earn with the Dolphins before his release ($25.9 million cap hit, per Spotrac). If Detroit could lure him for less, it should jump.

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