If you are a Houston Texans fan, now is the time to go crazy. Last season, the club stunned the world with an incredible run to the playoffs. They not only made it to the postseason, but also defeated the Cleveland Browns to go to the second round. Despite their loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Houstonians are full of optimism.
The Texans have already addressed one of their primary needs through free agency. They retooled their cornerback corps, adding Jeff Okudah and CJ Henderson while maintaining young up-and-comer Derek Stingley Jr. However, another figure is looking to join the party: Houston native and former Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard. Howard voiced his wish during a podcast appearance alongside Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller.
“I’d love to do it. Especially at home, in the crib. I wouldn’t say I’ve always been a fan of the Houston Texans, but I am this offseason. I’ve had it tattooed on me. I even had the Houston Rockets and Texans (logos) tattooed on me.”
The CJ Stroud influence on Texans is on full display.
If you told Texans supporters a year or two ago that they would be a popular free agent destination, they would have laughed in your face. After the Deshaun Watson incident, Houston struggled in the AFC South. They suffered through terrible season after terrible season, with no end in sight.
However, the Texans are now among the most sought-after clubs in free agency. The addition of CJ Stroud has increased the team’s popularity among both fans and players. Players love to play with Stroud because of his leadership and on-field skills. Houston will be a contender for many years with Stroud, and a contender draws the right individuals. For example, consider Xavien Howard.
What would Xavien Howard add to Texans
The Texans’ starting cornerbacks are most likely Henderson and Stingley. Okudah could play as the third cornerback or as a substitute. They also have Desmond King, who performed well last season. In theory, Houston’s CB room is quite full, with no space for overflow.
If Houston signs Howard, the cornerback will bring experienced smarts and a wealth of experience. Howard, a former All-Pro cornerback, is no longer the same talent he was in his heyday. Regardless, his years of expertise would benefit the league’s relatively young cornerbacks.
Is he worthy of a starting spot? Probably not, particularly given the Texans’ talent. However, in terms of “luxury” signings, this is not a bad decision.
How probable is Howard to be a Texan?
Setting aside the issue of Houston’s cramped cornerback room, there is also the issue of money. Even if the Texans are interested in Xavien Howard, they must still agree to a contract. Fortunately for Houston, Howard is prepared to accept a wage cut in order to pursue a championship.
“I’d rather take a pay cut to join a squad that would advance in the playoffs. I got my money and all that. I go to the point, like, ‘How much money do you truly need?’. My goal is always to win the Super Bowl. Don’t allow money get in the way of winning the Super Bowl… I want to be different. “I want to win the Super Bowl now.”
Will the Texans sign the hometown kid? There is still plenty of time in the offseason to straighten things out.
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