The Dallas Cowboys have had a reputation when it comes to free agency for quite some time. Sure, they acquire players like any other team, but they're usually not at the forefront when it comes to making big moves. Instead, they prefer to enter after the first wave and add lower-cost options.
Things are a little different these days, team owner Jerry Jones said. Jones, who retained head coach Mike McCarthy despite another early playoff exit, said the team is “fully committed” to the 2024 season. We can prove that by pursuing Xavien Howard, one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo recently reported that the Miami Dolphins are releasing Howard after eight seasons with the team. This was expected given the Dolphins' salary cap situation, and would save him approximately $18.5 million in cap space if he were cut after June 1. Howard's 2023 season was also prematurely ended due to a foot injury, which undoubtedly influenced the Dolphins' decision.
According to the latest statistics, Howard had a 62.9 completion percentage in 13 games last season, his worst performance since 2019. However, the 419 yards Howard gave up was the second fewest since the 2018 season, giving up 10.7 yards per completion. low career. So it's clear that the four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro can still play at a relatively high level despite some slumps and injury setbacks.
The Cowboys plan to have Trevon Diggs back next season, but due to a torn ACL, it's unclear how long it will take for him to return, but it will probably be a year since he returns. Additionally, Stephon Gilmore and Jordan Lewis are unrestricted free agents, so the Cowboys don't have much stability at cornerback as it stands. Even if one of them returns in 2024, acquiring a player like Howard would immediately help with stability, and Diggs' quick return from injury would give Dallas the cornerback position. will give you several viable options, which cannot be underestimated.
Dallas is currently nearly $10 million over the cap, but that could easily be fixed by restructuring the contracts of players like Zack Martin and Diggs, as well as extending contracts with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. right. While Howard isn't what he once was, he's still one of the best cornerbacks in the league, and his 29 career interceptions and 95 pass breakups make him an instant value to Mike Zimmer's defense. would add.
