It has been weeks since Bleacher Report last suggested that the Indianapolis Colts sign a player midseason.
However, it seems that BR’s scouting department wants to see general manager Chris Ballard make a move during the Week 14 bye.
After going unsigned for the entirety of the 2024 season, former Miami Dolphins All-Pro cornerback Xavien Howard was named a fit for Indianapolis as it approaches a crucial final four games of the season, per Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report.
“There isn’t much that can be done about the defense at this point, but Xavien Howard is one of the few free agents out there who could still be a difference-maker. He was still playing cornerback at a reasonably high level last season, and the Colts could use the experience,” Ballentine wrote.
Bleacher Report listed cornerback as the Colts’ fifth-largest need, as the squad ranks 26th in league pass defense through the first 13 weeks of the 2024 campaign. Indianapolis has allowed 17 passing touchdowns and an average of 232.4 passing yards per game, leading to its defense surrendering an average of 23 points per game.
Howard is 31 years old and is coming off a 2023 campaign with the second-lowest Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of all Dolphins defenders, finishing his 13-game season with a 55.
However, the Baylor alum compiled four Pro Bowl appearances in a five-season span from 2018-2022, including an All-Pro First Team selection in 2020.
Howard has 29 interceptions, 95 pass deflections, 331 tackles and four forced fumbles in 100 career games played.
While his prime is undoubtedly behind him, the Colts have proved in the past that they can briefly revitalize a veteran cornerback’s career in the cases of Xavier Rhodes and Stephon Gilmore.
Last week, Bleacher Report urged Indianapolis to sign Detroit Lions standout cornerback Carlton Davis in the 2025 offseason, but a move to Howard before the season’s end could have the potential to eliminate that need for at least another year.
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