Xavien Howard‘s time outside the NFL came to an end this week when he joined the Colts. The 2024 campaign came and went without a deal in his case, but that was not due to a lack of interest. 
“I did have opportunities, I just feel like it wasn’t the right situation for me,” the former All-Pro corner said when reflecting on how last year played out (via the team’s website). “So I gave it a shot, I’m like OK, I just can wait [until] next year and hopefully something will happen, and something ended up happening.”
Howard, 32, was released by the Dolphins last spring, ending his eight-year Miami tenure. Few suitors emerged during his free agent tenure, although a midseason visit with the Bengals took place. No deal was worked out, but the visit allowed Howard and then-defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo to reconnect. Anarumo is now in charge of the Colts’ defense, so it came as little surprise when Indianapolis became Howard’s eventual 2025 destination.
The four-time Pro Bowler has twice led the league in interceptions during a season, and he has amassed 29 over the course of his career. Howard’s playmaking dried up toward the end of his Dolphins tenure with just one pick in each of the 2022 and ’23 campaigns, although he totaled 24 pass deflections over that span. A return to form after a lengthy absence would be welcomed in Howard’s case since it would help his free agent prospects next spring; it may also wind up being necessary from the team’s perspective.
The Colts’ depth chart for their final preseason contest lists Howard as a starter at the cornerback position. Free agent signing Charvarius Ward is locked into one first-team spot on the perimeter, while returnee Kenny Moore will again be counted on as a key figure in the slot. Indianapolis has already been hit hard by injuries in the secondary, however, leaving the door open to Howard earning a starting gig in short order. Veterans added in August rarely take on more than a depth role with their new teams, but an exception could be in store in this case.