Four-time Pro Bowl CB Xavien Howard reveals team he'd 'love' to play for

Cornerback Xavien Howard is one of the biggest names still available on the open market. Where will he play in 2024? He has a team in mind.

Howard was asked if he'd be open to returning to his hometown to play for the Texans.

"I would love to do that. Especially back at home, the crib," Howard said via the Houston Chronicle. "I wouldn't say I've always been a Houston Texans fan, but this offseason, I'm a Houston Texans fan. I've had it tatted on me. I even got the Houston Rockets and the Texans (logos) tatted on me."

Howard was released by the Dolphins, with whom he began his career as a second-round pick in 2016. He was named to four Pro Bowls in Miami and was the NFL's interceptions leader twice (2018, 2020).

The 30-year-old isn't the player he used to be, but he still has some good football left in him. He posted 45 tackles, one interception and 12 passes defensed in 2023.

Howard recognizes that and revealed he'd be willing to play for a cheap price if he can contend for a Super Bowl.

"I'd rather take a pay cut to go to a team that's going to go further in the playoffs," Howard added. "My goal is always to try to win a Super Bowl. Don't let the money get in the way of winning a Super Bowl."

Houston would not need Howard to take a pay cut if it was interested in adding him to the roster. The team still has about $20.4 million in salary cap space, per Over The Cap.

However, whatever Howard can do to make himself more desirable to teams hoping to make Super Bowl runs in 2024, the better.

The Texans are arguably one of those teams and could use a veteran like Howard in their secondary. They've recently added former first-round cornerbacks Jeff Okudah and C.J. Henderson, but both players have underwhelmed to begin their young NFL careers.

Howard could lend his knowledge to Houston's young cornerback room while giving the team a viable starting option to win now.