2 weeks Ago
The Las Vegas Raiders pulled off a major 26-23 road upset of the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2 to even their record at 1-1 on the season. Still, starting quarterback remains a weak spot on the Raiders' 2024 roster, as is the depth in the defensive secondary. Bleacher Report, which listed cornerback as the Raiders' No.
3 most important roster need entering Week 3, has urged Antonio Pierce's squad to sign free agent cornerback Xavien Howard "now." The Miami Dolphins released the four-time Pro Bowler at the start of the 2024 league year in March and he was "expected to have significant interest on the market," according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo . However, that never came to fruition, at least not enough to result in joining a new team.
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images "It's kind of amazing that Howard hasn't been signed yet," Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine wrote. "Even if he's dealt with some injury issues, he's been a good player when he's been on the field. That's something the Raiders could use.
They are relying on a lot of young guys to take the next step in their development. Signing Howard would give them a good option if someone like Jakorian Bennett doesn't take the next step." Before his release, Howard, 31, played out two seasons of the five-year, $90 million contract extension he signed in Miami in April 2022.
The former second-round pick has showed flashes of dominance throughout his eight-year NFL career, including his All-Pro season in 2020 when he led the league in interceptions (10) and pass breakups (20). He has recorded only one interceptions, 12 pass deflections and 45 tackles in each of the last two seasons. Related: Six NFL Contenders Plummet in Updated Power Rankings Related: Rex Ryan's Embarrassingly Wrong NFL Prediction Has Fans Saying the Same Thing.
