INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts have signed veteran cornerback Xavien Howard to bolster their injury-depleted secondary, hoping the former All-Pro can regain his elite form after sitting out last season.
The move addresses a critical need for Indianapolis, which is currently coping with injuries to four key cornerbacks. The list includes veteran slot corner Kenny Moore II, 17-game starter Jaylon Jones, and 2023 second-round pick JuJu Brents. The team also lost rookie Justin Walley, a third-round pick projected as the No. 3 corner, to a season-ending ACL tear two weeks ago.
Howard, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, has not been on an active roster since the Miami Dolphins released him in February 2024. Despite his recent inactivity and past injuries, a team source described his in-person workout as “really good.”
The signing reunites Howard with Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who served as the Dolphins’ defensive backs coach during Howard’s first two seasons in 2016-17. Anarumo expressed confidence in the veteran’s abilities.
“He can go get the ball,” Anarumo said. “He’s proven that throughout his NFL career that he’s been an elite interceptor.”
Anarumo noted that the year away from the game could be a hidden benefit. “Maybe you could look at it as his legs got a year to rest. One thing I know is his ball skills… they don’t go away, and he still has those.”
Howard’s aggressive style is considered a strong fit for Anarumo’s press-man coverage scheme. A premier ball-hawk at his peak, he led the NFL in interceptions with seven in 2018 and ten in 2020.
Last year, Howard was named in a lawsuit alleging he sent a sexually explicit image, though no criminal charges were filed.
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