Bengals Explore Options with Veteran Cornerback Xavien Howard
In the midst of a turbulent NFL season, the Cincinnati Bengals have been grappling with significant defensive challenges, prompting them to explore potential solutions on and off the field. Recently, the Bengals hosted a visit with Xavien Howard, the seasoned cornerback who made a name for himself with the Miami Dolphins.
Howard, who remains a prominent free agent, has yet to find a new team after being released by the Dolphins earlier this year. His availability has piqued the interest of several teams in need of bolstering their defensive backfields. Despite a promising meeting with the Bengals, both parties were unable to finalize an agreement.
Bengals' Defensive Struggles
The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves in a precarious position as they navigate through the NFL season with a current record of 4-6. Their most recent setback came against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 10, which further highlighted their defensive frailties. The Bengals currently rank seventh in the NFL for the most points allowed per game, with an average of 26.2 points surrendered per contest. This performance has placed their defense under intense scrutiny, especially the starting cornerbacks Cam Taylor-Britt and Josh Newton, who have struggled to contain opposing offenses.
Headlining this concern is the need for a robust and experienced presence in the secondary, a void that Xavien Howard seemed capable of filling. Known for his ball-hawking abilities, Howard boasts an impressive résumé that includes leading the NFL in interceptions twice during his tenure with the Dolphins from 2016 to 2023. In 2020, Howard achieved a career milestone, recording 10 interceptions and leading the league with 20 deflections—a testament to his prowess as a defensive anchor.
The Xavien Howard Factor
Although Howard did not play in the 2024 NFL season, his credentials as a four-time Pro Bowler remain attractive to teams in dire need of defensive reinforcement. The Bengals’ interest in Howard was a natural step in their quest to shore up their defensive lineup. Despite their efforts, the two sides could not reach common ground, resulting in Howard leaving the door open for other opportunities.
Meanwhile, Howard continues to train independently, maintaining his readiness for a return to the NFL. His focus and dedication to physical preparation underline his determination to contribute meaningfully to a team willing to capitalize on his experience and skill set.
Looming Challenges and Opportunities
Looking forward, the Bengals face immediate challenges on their schedule. They are set to tackle the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 11, a matchup which will test their defensive resilience against a potent offense. Following this contest, the Bengals will have the benefit of a bye week—a critical period that could allow them to reassess their strategies and personnel needs.
As they continue their quest for defensive enhancements, the Bengals must evaluate not only external options but also internal adjustments to halt the barrage of points allowed each game. Incorporating a veteran presence like Howard could have provided immediate benefits, but his brief visit underscores the ongoing appraisal of talent by the Bengals' management.
While a deal with Howard wasn’t struck, the Bengals remain poised to navigate their current roster dynamics. Whether through free agency or tactical shifts on the field, the team is keenly aware of the importance of tightening their defensive setup as they aim to remain competitive in a challenging season.
In this NFL season defined by unpredictability and intense competition, the Cincinnati Bengals’ pursuit of improved defensive stability illustrates their commitment to overcoming hurdles. As the season unfolds, the team continues to look for opportunities to fortify their lineup and capitalize on the talents that remain available in the free-agent market.