After dominating the Miami Dolphins throughout the regular season, culminating in a decisive 21-14 victory in Week 18 to clinch the AFC East title, the Buffalo Bills are now contemplating a strategic move in the offseason. The Dolphins recently released cornerback Xavien Howard to alleviate some cap constraints, despite still being $24 million over the cap, as reported by Over The Cap. Howard, a former All-Pro with an impressive eight-year stint in Miami, boasts 29 interceptions and 95 passes defended, showcasing his prowess as one of the top cornerbacks in the league. Notably, in 2020, he led the league with 10 interceptions and 20 passes defended, marking a standout season for a defensive back.
Although Howard, approaching 31, may be past his prime, the question arises: should the Bills consider signing the four-time Pro Bowler, especially if the opportunity arises at the right price? While the Bills have their work cut out for them in addressing their precarious cap situation, currently the most over the cap in the league at $41.74 million, exploring the potential acquisition of Howard could be a strategic move if circumstances permit.
Buffalo faces critical decisions in reshaping its defense during the offseason. The team can opt to address the departure of pass rushers by re-signing players like Leonard Floyd and A.J. Epenesa or explore other free-agent options in that position. Alternatively, the Bills might bolster their secondary to compensate for a lack of pass rush. The ultimate decision will hinge on factors such as supply, demand, and pricing dynamics in free agency and the 2024 draft.
Should Buffalo manage to navigate its cap challenges and pursue free agents, Howard becomes an intriguing option for the Bills’ secondary, provided he can be secured on a team-friendly deal. However, concerns linger regarding Howard’s health, given his recent absence from multiple games over the past two seasons. If these health uncertainties can be assuaged, signing Howard could significantly impact a Bills defense that consistently ranks among the league’s best but has faced postseason challenges. A potential tandem of Howard and Rasul Douglas could form one of the premier cornerback partnerships, potentially filling a crucial gap for Buffalo and elevating their playoff prospects.
Reflecting on Howard’s peak performance, where he emerged as one of the elite cornerbacks in football, the Bills should consider a committed pursuit if that version of Howard is attainable. The key lies in Buffalo’s ability to resolve its cap issues and position itself to compete for players of Howard’s caliber in the competitive landscape of free agency.
