The Detroit Lions have an increasing number of possibilities to upgrade its cornerback room. On February 23, the Miami Dolphins cut veteran cornerback Xavien Howard to save money under the salary cap.
The Lions were named as Howard’s landing destination by CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell just hours after Howard was freed.
The NFC runner-ups, led by rookies like running back Jahmyr Gibbs, tight end Sam LaPorta, and safety Brian Branch playing important roles, are in a wonderful place as their rebuild is now proceeding ahead of plan, according to Podell. Detroit’s secondary, which allowed 336.1 passing yards per game, ranking 19th in the NFL, was below league average in pass defense. Nevertheless, the secondary still needs improvement.
“Howard can give this young defensive backfield some much-needed experience.”
Although it was the first time since 2019 that Howard had missed the Pro Bowl, he did not make it in 2023. In 2020, he finished third in the Defensive Player of the Year poll and was named to the first team of the pros.
In 2018, Howard was an All-Pro second team member.
He recorded 12 pass defenses and 1 interception in 2023. In addition, he recorded 45 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 1 quarterback hit.
How the Lions Could Use Xavien Howard
The Lions pass defense had below-average numbers in 2023, as Podell pointed out. In the NFL, Detroit gave up the sixth-most throwing yards. They also placed 29th in net yards allowed per pass attempt and 27th in passing touchdowns given up.
However, Howard would be a starter right away and a better option than Cameron Sutton, who the Lions are hoping will improve after a disappointing 2023 campaign.
Howard, who turns 31 in July, might be able to improve the Lions’ turnover margin by 2024 at the very least. In the 2018 and 2020 seasons, Howard has the most interceptions in the NFL with seven and ten, respectively.
With sixteen interceptions in 2023, the Lions were tied for eleventh place. Detroit, though, had a zero turnover differential.
It’s probably something the Lions would rather work on. Detroit had a better turnover margin than only two other NFC playoff teams: the Philadelphia Eagles and the Los Angeles Rams.
In 2024, Howard might be in line for a significant interception campaign. Over the previous two seasons combined, he only had two interceptions.
“Notable Attention” Is Anticipated for Howard in NFL Free Agency
Early in the offseason, pundits connected the Lions to numerous possible cornerback additions. Howard can quickly rise at the top of the list of desired qualities.
Depending on the situation, that may or may not be the case.
In April 2022, Howard agreed to a new contract worth $90 million, which included an average compensation of almost $19 million annually. Though he should be in demand, he probably won’t earn that kind of deal this summer.
“It is anticipated that the four-time Pro Bowl selection will garner substantial interest in the market,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo stated on X (formerly Twitter).
The NFL salary cap was raised to $255.4 million on February 23, and Spotrac revealed that the Lions have $65.7 million in cap space at that time.
The Lions are anticipated to use that space to extend the contracts of wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, quarterback Jared Goff, and possibly other players who will soon require new agreements. However, if the Lions so want, they should have enough room to pursue a top cornerback.
Another option available to the Detroit Lions is to select a cornerback in the first round. Given that it would provide the Lions with a potential starting cornerback on a rookie contract, that option might also be the best one.
