The Detroit Lions have a growing array of options to bolster their cornerback position, with the recent release of veteran cornerback Xavien Howard by the Miami Dolphins on February 23 providing a potential opportunity. Garrett Podell of CBS Sports quickly identified the Lions as a possible destination for Howard, highlighting the team’s progress in their rebuild and the need for experienced talent in their secondary, which still lacks depth despite their recent achievements in the conference championship round.
Howard’s performance in recent years, although he didn’t make the Pro Bowl in 2023, suggests he could significantly enhance the Lions’ defense. His previous accolades include being named first-team All-Pro in 2020 and second-team All-Pro in 2018, indicating his capability to elevate the Lions’ defensive capabilities, especially considering their below-average pass defense statistics in 2023.
In terms of fit, Howard could immediately upgrade the Lions’ pass defense, addressing areas where they struggled in 2023 such as yielding passing yards and touchdowns. His track record of creating turnovers, including leading the NFL in interceptions during the 2018 and 2020 seasons, could particularly benefit the Lions, who aim to improve their turnover margin for the upcoming season.
However, Howard’s potential acquisition is subject to financial considerations, as his previous contract was valued at $90 million with an average annual salary of around $19 million. While it’s unlikely he’ll command a similar deal this offseason, his status as a sought-after free agent could drive significant interest from other teams as well.
With the Lions having ample cap space and a need for defensive upgrades, pursuing Howard in free agency could be a viable option,Detroit Lions veteran cornerback divorce with wife and announce his retirement due to….
Ultimately, the decision on whether to pursue Howard or explore other avenues to strengthen their cornerback position will depend on various factors, including financial considerations and the team’s overall strategy for the upcoming season.
