The Cincinnati Bengals had a chance to get to .500 with a win against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday. Yet, Lamar Jackson and company were just too good to overcome. Still, by losing a hard-fought 35-34 game to one of the AFC’s best teams, the Bengals showed that they can be legitimate contenders this season despite a 4-6 start.
But one problem area has been on defense, where Lou Anarumo’s unit enters Week 11 with the 26th-ranked scoring defense. Considering the Bengals have allowed 30 or more points in four of their ten games this season, any type of improvement on defense could go a long way, and the team tried adding some outside help.
Related: Top 2024 NFL MVP candidates entering Week 11 include Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Patrick Mahomes
Xavien Howard visited Cincinnati Bengals, rejected their contract
Now that the NFL trade deadline has passed, the best way for teams to improve their rosters is by adding the best free agents available. One player at the top of that list is four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard.
The 31-year-old was released by the Miami Dolphins at the outset of the 2023-24 offseason and has yet to latch on with a new team. While he’s likely lost a step or two, the former first-team All-Pro could bring eight years of experience to a secondary in need, and the Cincinnati Bengals had interest.
“The Bengals are hosting four-time Pro Bowl CB Xavien Howard on a visit today, sources say. Cincy’s defense needs some help and experience in the secondary as they try to make a playoff push. They’ll look to Howard as a possible solution.”
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo
While the Bengals hosted Howard, who reportedly had a good workout, the two sides were unable to reach a contract agreement. For now, he’ll continue working on his own, waiting for another opportunity. Presumably, the Bengals didn’t meet his asking price.
The #Bengals made an offer to CB Xavien Howard after a good workout today but the sides were unable to reach an agreement, sources say. Howard is headed back home to continue training to stay ready for his next opportunity. https://t.co/c0zARG1EFj
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 11, 2024
The Bengals have nothing to lose by adding Howard to their roster. At worst, he looks like a washed-up veteran. At best, he helps fix a secondary that’s been below-average this season while offering advice to his fellow defensive backs, helping raise their play for the rest of the year. Yet, to do so, they’ll have to increase their offer before another team swoops in.
Related: See where Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow lands in Sportsnaut’s NFL QB Rankings