A Missed Opportunity: Bengals Can't Close on Xavien Howard
The Cincinnati Bengals, in their quest for bolstering their defense, have recently shown keen interest in Xavien Howard, a distinguished free agent and former Miami Dolphins cornerback. Howard visited Cincinnati as the Bengals considered him a promising addition, especially given their current defensive struggles. Despite this significant interest and the opportunity to acquire a seasoned player of Howard’s caliber, the two parties couldn’t finalize an agreement.
Howard's impressive resume includes leading the NFL in interceptions on two separate occasions during his time with the Dolphins between 2016 and 2023. In 2020, he recorded a remarkable 10 interceptions, complemented by 20 deflections, establishing himself as a formidable force in the secondary. His release earlier this year by the Dolphins marked him as one of the notable free agents still on the market as the NFL season progresses.
The speculation surrounding Howard and the Bengals wasn't without cause. Cincinnati's defense has been a topic of considerable scrutiny this season. The Bengals find themselves ranked seventh in the NFL for the most points allowed per game, a worrying statistic that reflects their defensive vulnerabilities. Averaging 26.2 points conceded per game, the team clearly acknowledges the urgent need for reinforcement.
Among the defensive unit's most scrutinized players are starting cornerbacks Cam Taylor-Britt and Josh Newton. Their on-field performances have highlighted gaps in Cincinnati's defense, especially visible during a disappointing Week 10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. This defeat underscored the need for experienced leaders in the defensive backfield — a role that Howard could potentially fill with his proven track record and leadership skills.
The Bengals, currently holding a 4-6 record, entered discussions with Howard not just as a tactical addition but potentially as a game-changer who could provide the much-needed stability and skill in their defense. As the team prepares to face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 11, followed by a bye week, the lime is ticking for Cincinnati to enhance its defensive lineup and rediscover form.
Despite the failure to reach an agreement, Xavien Howard's pursuit of continued excellence hasn’t waned. Maintaining his fitness and readiness, Howard continues to train independently, presumably awaiting the right opportunity to return to the NFL stage. The gap between him and the Bengals serves as a reminder of the complexities and negotiations intrinsic to professional sports, where player value and team needs must align perfectly.
The Bengals' bid to recover their season and push towards a successful run hinges heavily not only on their offensive play but significantly on shoring up a defense that has been porous at crucial moments. The potential addition of a player like Howard, known for his ball-hawking abilities and seasoned veteran experience, could have provided an immediate boost.
As the speculative ties between Howard and the Bengals fade without an agreement, Cincinnati must look elsewhere to answer their defensive issues. Their journey towards improvement remains pressing but unresolved as they continue the search for that defensive anchor who can revitalize their aspirations for the ongoing season.