Cincinnati's Defensive Woes Continue as Xavien Howard Remains UFA
In a strategic move that could have potentially bolstered their ailing defense, the Cincinnati Bengals recently hosted free-agent cornerback Xavien Howard. However, the meeting did not culminate in an agreement, leaving both parties to reassess their options as the NFL season progresses. Howard, a seasoned veteran with a string of accolades, remains unsigned after his unexpected release by the Miami Dolphins earlier this year.
The Bengals are grappling with significant defensive challenges this season, highlighted by their recent defeat to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 10. This loss has underscored the scrutiny already faced by their defense, which currently ranks seventh in the league for the most points allowed per game, conceding an average of 26.2 points. Key defensive players, particularly starting cornerbacks Cam Taylor-Britt and Josh Newton, find themselves under increasing pressure to elevate their performance.
Howard's track record speaks volumes about his potential impact on any team willing to gamble on his talents. A four-time Pro Bowler, Howard led the NFL in interceptions twice during his tenure with the Dolphins, covering 2016 to 2023. His standout season in 2020 saw him recording a career-high 10 interceptions, further asserting his defensive prowess with 20 deflections, the highest in the league.
While the Bengals have made their struggles known, their recent attempts to acquire Howard suggest a proactive approach to addressing these issues. Nonetheless, with Howard continuing to train independently, the defensive stalwart is exploring other avenues in the league, leaving the door open for future negotiations with Cincinnati or other interested teams.
As it stands, the Bengals hold a record of 4-6. Their immediate focus shifts to their upcoming game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 11, a critical matchup with implications for their seasonal outlook. Following this, they will have a bye week, a period that could be crucial for internal assessments and strategy adjustments.
While the addition of someone of Howard's caliber might have offered a significant upgrade to their defense, Cincinnati is left with the task of finding alternative means to consolidate their backfield. The persistence of Howard in maintaining his form and readiness exemplifies a player still with an intent to impact the game. For the Bengals, securing an agreement with a player of Howard’s stature could potentially be the catalyst they need to turn around their challenging season.
As the NFL season moves deeper into the critical stages, the watch for Howard's next move continues. Fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on whether Cincinnati renews their interest or if another team steps forward to capitalize on Howard's proven ability to disrupt offenses.