The Indianapolis Colts are adding veteran cornerback Xavien Howard, with the signing confirmed by his agent, David Canter, after Howard sat out the 2024 season following a Lisfranc injury to his foot.
Howard, 32, has long been recognized as one of the league’s premier cover players. A four-time Pro Bowler, he led the NFL in interceptions twice, recording seven picks in 2018 and ten in 2020. A lingering Lisfranc injury that ended his 2023 season bothered him into 2024. He worked out for Cincinnati and Dallas last year but did not sign.
The Colts have been decimated by injuries at cornerback. Veteran slot corner Kenny Moore II is dealing with a knee issue, and they lost promising rookie Justin Walley to a torn ACL. Outside corners competing for a starting role, Jaylon Jones and JuJu Brents, have both dealt with hamstring problems, making cornerback one of the clearest areas of concern heading into the season opener. Head coach Shane Steichen acknowledged the group’s fragile status as the season begins.
Howard represents a calculated risk. In addition to his injury history, he has had off-field legal issues in the past. He was arrested on domestic battery charges in December 2019, though those charges were later dismissed. A lawsuit filed last summer alleged he sent a sexually explicit photo of a teenager’s mother to her son after she refused to get an abortion, and that he secretly recorded encounters with another woman and showed the images to others. No criminal charges have been filed in connection with the lawsuit.
By signing Howard, the Colts signal a willingness to take on that risk, while also hoping the former Dolphins star can contribute on the field again. First-year defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo has familiarity with Howard, having coached Miami’s defensive backs during Howard’s early NFL seasons, which the Colts believe could help him acclimate quickly.
The need at cornerback is underscored by recent roster moves. Indianapolis briefly rostered former Jaguars starter Tre Herndon and still has former Bears cornerback Duke Shelley, who joined along with Herndon after the injuries to Brents and Jones. The decision to take a flyer on Howard reflects the Colts’ approach: plan ahead, assess available options, and bring in a player who could stabilize a thin position if he’s able to regain top form.
Beyond the headlines, the Colts’ approach highlights a broader strategy: cast a wide net in training camp and preseason to protect against unexpected holes at critical positions. If Howard returns to form, his ball-hawking ability and veteran presence could provide a valuable lift for a defense that needs leadership and playmaking. The medical, legal, and performance risks are real, but so are the potential rewards if Howard can contribute on a defense still growing into its identity this season.
Additional context and analysis:
– The signing aligns with the Colts’ emphasis on scheme familiarity and player fit, given Anarumo’s background and the defensive system they’re building.
– The move underscores the team’s willingness to prioritize immediate depth during a crucial transition period, while acknowledging the uncertainties that come with bringing in a player who has both injury and off-field history.
– If Howard can stay healthy and recapture some of his past form, he could help stabilize a corner group that has been in flux, while also providing a veteran voice in the secondary as younger players gain experience.
Overall, the Colts are choosing a high-risk, potentially high-reward path at a positions of need, hoping Howard’s talent and experience can translate back to productive play and organizational leadership.