The Baltimore Ravens have become a haven for veterans who flamed out trying to restart their careers. In the most few seasons, John Simpson went from the practice squad to a reliable starter while Panthers signee Jadeveon Clowney turned in a borderline Pro Bowl season. Former Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard could be next on the list.
Howard was released by the Dolphins after two straight seasons of declining play. Howard is now in the wrong side of 30 and fresh off the worst season of his career, which has made it tough to sign a contract despite his declaration he would take less money to join a Super Bowl contender.
The Ravens haven't made a ton of additions to the defense this offseason, but they have watched names like Geno Stone, Patrick Queen, and Clowney leave for new teams. Baltimore can't let all this talent get sucked away without veteran replacements in a title-or-bust season.
The Ravens' history of turning around veterans will be tested with Howard. If he clicks and returns to the same turnover-creating form that made him one of the highest-paid defensive backs in the league in Miami, Baltimore's defense will be even nastier in the 2024 season.
Ex-Dolphins CB Xavien Howard open to pay cut to join playoff team: "How much money do you really need?"https://t.co/XvYS16nPec pic.twitter.com/qk2bDooovn
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) March 22, 2024
The Baltimore Ravens should consider signing Xavien Howard in free agency
The Howard from the last year and a half has been quite poor, as he is starting to show the signs of aging. However, the Howard who recorded 23 interceptions in a four-year span isn't too far in the past for a team to dream about, especially one that has enough talent around him to take a risk.
If Howard ends up staying healthy and returning to form alongside Humphrey, the combination of those two along with what could be the best safety duo in the league in Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams will help new DC Zach Orr construct a defense just as fearsome as last year's unit.
The Ravens might be strapped for cash due to some of their more expensive players, but Howard's reported desire to take less in order to win could be very attractive. Baltimore may need to compete with the Houston Texans, as Howard's hometown team could also be interested.
If the Ravens choose to sit this chase out and watch Howard get back on track with another contender, Eric DeCosta and the rest of the front office will have only themselves to blame.