Five Reasons the Dolphins Should Reunite with Xavien Howard

Xavien Howard is one of the best cornerbacks in Dolphin’s history and has yet to sport another jersey after being released last season. Howard is coming off of injury troubles but with a year off full of training, Miami could be the perfect place for Howard to go on one last run. A glaring hole in the Dolphins cornerback room, meets one of the franchise’s best.

1. A Glaring Void at Cornerback

Let’s be honest: the Dolphins cornerback room is in the mud. With names like Kader Kohou, Cam Smith, Ethan Bonner, Storm Duck, and Isaiah Johnson leading the depth chart, there’s only one proven player in the room. The Dolphins have swung and missed on big cornerback moves before—first with Byron Jones, then with Jalen Ramsey, neither of whom delivered as hoped. There’s no sugarcoating it: this group needs help, and fast. Bringing back a familiar, experienced playmaker like Howard could stabilize the unit while also mentoring the younger corners.

2. He’s Healthy—and Staying Ready

After taking the 2024 season off, Xavien Howard has made it clear: he’s healthy, in shape, and waiting for the right opportunity. On the Dive Bar Podcast, Howard gave fans insight into his mindset and physical readiness:

“Heading into 2025 now, and we’re really just waiting to get a call, and they’ll see what teams are talking about. I’m open to playing for anybody. It’s on them though. I’m still healthy, still staying in shape, still working out and stuff like that.”

Howard also revealed that he and Dolphins GM Chris Grier haven’t spoken directly, but the door wasn’t completely closed:

“Grier kept the door open for me and stuff like that.”

He further explained why he didn’t sign with any team last season:

“Teams last season were trying to have me play without a waiver, and I wasn’t about that.”

Howard was dealing with the Lisfranc issue in his foot and had workouts with the Bengals and Cowboys. X chose not to play without a waiver and looks for an opportunity this year.

Howard emphasized the importance of playing time for young corners, praising Cam Smith and expressing empathy for both Smith and former Dolphin Noah Igbinoghene:

“At corner, you have to learn on the field…” He believes Cam and even Noah’s growth got stunted by not being on the field as much.

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Howard is not just watching the game from afar—he’s studying it, mentoring, and training with purpose. His football IQ, health, and leadership could be a massive asset to a room that desperately needs stability and veteran presence.

Bottom line: Howard is healthy—and a healthy Xavien Howard would immediately elevate Miami’s secondary.

Xavien working out.

3. Franchise Icon: 

Xavien Howard (2016-2023) 

• • Achievements: 5× Pro Bowl (2018, 2020-2022), First-team All-Pro (2020), Second-team All-Pro 2018, Two-time interception leader, 2018, 2020 (third in defensive player of the year voting).
  • Games Played: 100 games  
  • Stats: 29 interceptions, 4 touchdowns, 95 passes defended, 331 tackles
  • Note: Howard only played 5 games his rookie season and had a nagging groin injury limiting his impact and statistics 
  • Impact: According to Pro Football Focus, Howard has consistently ranked among the top cornerbacks in coverage and playmaking ability, establishing himself as one of the premier defensive backs since coming into the league. X was constantly a top corner in the NFL and has the second most picks since coming into the league only behind Justin Simmons
• Xavien Howard is one of the best corners in Dolphins history and should be able to give it one last run in a Dolphins uniform, if he is willing and Grier is able, make it happen.

4. Team Friendly Deal? Howard hasn’t been in the news, and it has been awhile since an NFL team has signed a corner after a year off. But Howard is staying in shape and staying around the game, he’s coaching Western high school and has become more involved in his kid’s lives according to Omar Kelly. Just recently, Damon Arnette returned to the NFL after three years, and signed for the veteran minimum, Howard could sign for somewhere around the same price as Stephon Gilmore or Rasul Douglas and would be the younger, better corner with historical franchise experience. $5-10 million, incentive laden?

• Darius Slay will be making $10 million in his age 34 season
• Jonathan Jones $5.5 million in his age 32 season
• Tre White $3 million in age 30 season

5. Off-Field Fit and Locker Room Value

Yes, Howard had his share of contract disputes and off-field headlines in the past. But his tone and priorities seem to have shifted. He’s been publicly supportive of the team, spoke highly of young talent, and accepted a year away from the game with professionalism. There’s no indication of locker room tension lingering—and in fact, his presence might unify a young secondary that needs a leader.

More importantly, re-signing Howard would send a message: that the Dolphins value their greats, and they aren’t afraid to reward loyalty and legacy. Many have questioned the Dolphins ability to do this recently, most notably Raheem Mostert. In a critical season with playoff pressure building and a win-now window narrowing, that kind of statement matters—not just to the fans, but in the locker room too.

Final Word: Why Not?

The Dolphins have a cornerback crisis, a franchise legend in shape and waiting, and a front office that has (at least according to Howard) left the door open. If the money works and the locker room vibes are right, a Xavien Howard reunion might not just be a feel-good story—it might be the smartest move they can make.