The Houston Texans have been extremely active this offseason after a surprise playoff appearance during the 2023 NFL campaign.
That has included adding five potential new starters on defense and two former top-10 picks in NFL free agency.
Perhaps, the Texans won’t be stopping there heading into draft season. While they have not been linked to four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard, the Houston native is making it clear he’s open to signing with the team.
“I would love to do that. Especially back at home, the crib,” Howard said about returning to Houston, via the Houston Chronicle. “I wouldn’t say I’ve always been a Houston Texans fan, but this offseason, I’m a Houston Texans fan. I’ve had it tatted on me. I even got the Houston Rockets and the Texans (logos) tatted on me.”
Houston has already added former first-round busts Jeff Okudah and C.J. Henderson at cornerback this offseason. It also boasts one of the best young corners in that of Derek Stingley Jr.
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Would Xavien Howard make sense for the Houston Texans?
On the surface, there wouldn’t seem to be a need here. Though, neither Okudah nor Henderson have proven to be starter-caliber cornerbacks during their young NFL careers.
Last season saw Okudah yield a 94.6 QB rating when targeted for the Atlanta Falcons. It was his first season in Atlanta after a failed three-year run for the former No. 3 pick with the Detroit Lions.
Henderson has not performed much better throughout his four-year run. The former No. 9 pick from Florida lasted lass than two full seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars before being traded to the Carolina Panthers. This past season saw Henderson give up a 73% completion and 106.8 QB rating when targeted.
A one-time All-Pro, Howard has proven in the past that he’s among the best cornerbacks in the NFL. This past season with the Miami Dolphins, Howard gave up a mere 81.3 QB rating when targeted. Teaming him up with Stingley Jr. could make sense.