The Cincinnati Bengals are navigating a challenging NFL season with their defense under the microscope. Recent developments saw the Bengals hosting a visit from veteran cornerback Xavien Howard, a free agent still on the market after his unexpected release by the Miami Dolphins earlier this year. However, despite mutual interest, the Bengals and Howard were unable to ink a deal, leaving both parties to continue their search for solutions.
Howard, a four-time Pro Bowler, brings a wealth of experience and skill, attributes that any team struggling defensively would be eager to incorporate. During his tenure with the Dolphins from 2016 to 2023, Howard established himself as an interception artist, leading the NFL in this category twice. His standout performance in 2020 saw him record a career-high 10 interceptions, alongside a league-leading 20 deflections. Despite his proven track record, Howard's journey in the 2024 season has been halted, as he remains unsigned, training independently while assessing options.
For the Bengals, Howard's visit was more than a routine scouting endeavor; it was a pressing necessity. This season, Cincinnati's defense has been a critical pain point, particularly highlighted in Week 10 when they fell to the Baltimore Ravens. Currently, the Bengals rank seventh highest in the NFL for points allowed per game, conceding an average of 26.2 points. The lapses in defense can be notably attributed to the struggles of starting cornerbacks Cam Taylor-Britt and Josh Newton, who have faced significant challenges this season, further emphasizing the need for reinforcement.
With a 4-6 record, the Bengals are trudging through a precarious position within their division, as playoff hopes begin to slip. Their upcoming Week 11 clash against the Los Angeles Chargers becomes even more pivotal, not just for charting their path in the league but also for recalibrating their defensive strategies during the subsequent bye week. This period of rest could provide a much-needed respite to re-evaluate and perhaps reignite negotiations for bolstering their squad.
Xavien Howard's availability presents an alluring yet tricky proposition. The disconnect in contract negotiations with the Bengals might point to financial disagreements or strategic misalignments regarding Howard's role within the team's framework. As a seasoned veteran, Howard's contribution would potentially stabilize Cincinnati's defensive line, offering guidance to younger players while directly addressing their vulnerability in the secondary.
As the Bengals deliberate on their next moves, the glaring reality remains—they need defensive reinforcements and time to restructure their defense before the season reaches the point of no return. With Howard continuing his training and undoubtedly weighing multiple options, time is of the essence for Cincinnati. The question remains whether they'll take another shot at securing Howard or explore alternative avenues.
In the relentless world of the NFL, where strategy and performance intersect, the Bengals' management finds itself faced with strategic decisions that could define their season. Whether they revisit the possibility of signing Xavien Howard or leverage the bye week to seek other solutions, the objective remains clear: tightening their defense to forge a path to success.