Houston Texans rated ‘best fit’ for former Pro Bowl cornerback as free agent

The Houston Texans may not have finished building their roster for the 2024 NFL season. Although they had a good offseason making some “win-now” moves, there are still some areas where the team can improve.

One of those holes – the cornerback position – was filled this offseason. Still, the team can bring in other rookies to bring even more competition to training camp, helping the Texans find top talent and allowing players to improve while competing for a starting job in the team.

Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report looked at the remaining free agents with the highest potential who could find a home before training camp. One of the players listed was Xavien Howard, a former four-time Pro Bowl cornerback.

READ MORE: Houston Texans QB CJ Stroud Lists His Top 5 Quarterbacks From Last Season

“Xavien Howard’s three-year Pro Bowl streak ended in 2023, and now he’s looking for a new team in May,” Ballentine wrote. “The league’s opinion of a player can change quickly, but there is still upside for a team drafting the soon-to-be 31-year-old.”

For a team like the Texans, they are making a low-risk move in signing a player like Howard. The veteran defensive back now has something to prove once again after a few years of incredible play. Although he is fresh off an injury, the reason he was cut by the Miami Dolphins was for reasons related to the salary cap and cost savings.

“Howard had some health issues. He missed four games last season and finished the year with a foot injury, but he always looked good when he was on the field. He only allowed “just one touchdown on 62 targets and a passer rating of 81.3,” Ballentine wrote.

If the Texans want more competition and depth in the cornerback room, Howard is a good start. Even if he doesn’t succeed, it was worth it, and he could still be productive to some extent, which could help a young and promising team.

“The Houston Texans could bring him in to compete with Jeff Okudah for the starting spot opposite Derek Stingley,” Ballentine continued.

READ MORE: Houston Texans HC DeMeco Ryans Comments on Rookies Acclimating Around Veterans

Stay with TexansGameday for more coverage on the Houston Texans throughout the offseason.

Follow Kade on Twitter.