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The Ultimate Guide To Xavien Howard's Steelers Career

Trends January 10, 2025

Have you heard about Xavien Howard and his impact on the Pittsburgh Steelers?

Xavien Howard is a Pro Bowl cornerback who currently plays for the Miami Dolphins. He was drafted by the Dolphins in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Howard has quickly established himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, earning three Pro Bowl selections and one All-Pro selection. He is known for his sticky coverage skills and his ability to make big plays.In 2020, Howard led the NFL with 10 interceptions, which tied the Dolphins' single-season record. He also had three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and 51 tackles. Howard's performance helped the Dolphins make the playoffs for the first time since 2016.Howard is a key part of the Dolphins' defense, and he is one of the best young cornerbacks in the NFL. He is a rising star, and he is sure to continue to make big plays for the Dolphins in the years to come.

Importance and Benefits of Xavien Howard to the Steelers

Howard is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and he would be a major upgrade for the Steelers' defense.
Howard is a physical and aggressive cornerback who is not afraid to tackle. He is also a good tackler in the open field.
Howard has a knack for making big plays. He has 25 interceptions in his career, and he has also forced 10 fumbles.
Howard is a leader on the field and in the locker room. He is a vocal leader who is always willing to help his teammates.

Personal Details and Bio Data of Xavien Howard

Name	Xavien Howard
Position	Cornerback
Height	6'0"
Weight	200 lbs
College	Baylor
NFL Draft	2016, 38th overall

Transition to Main Article Topics

Xavien Howard's impact on the Steelers' defense
The Steelers' chances of winning the Super Bowl with Xavien Howard
The future of the Steelers' defense with Xavien Howard

Xavien Howard

Xavien Howard is a Pro Bowl cornerback who currently plays for the Miami Dolphins. He has quickly established himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, earning three Pro Bowl selections and one All-Pro selection. Howard is known for his sticky coverage skills and his ability to make big plays.

Coverage Skills: Howard is one of the best coverage cornerbacks in the NFL. He has excellent technique and instincts, and he is able to stay with receivers even when they are running deep routes.
Ball Skills: Howard has great ball skills. He has 25 interceptions in his career, and he has also forced 10 fumbles.
Tackling: Howard is a physical and aggressive tackler. He is not afraid to come up and hit, and he is also a good tackler in the open field.
Leadership: Howard is a leader on the field and in the locker room. He is a vocal leader who is always willing to help his teammates.
Playmaking Ability: Howard has a knack for making big plays. He has a number of interceptions and forced fumbles in his career, and he has also scored a touchdown.
Contract: Howard is entering the final year of his contract with the Dolphins. He is set to become a free agent in 2024.
Trade Rumors: There have been rumors that the Dolphins are willing to trade Howard. The Steelers are one of the teams that have been linked to Howard in trade rumors.

These are just a few of the key aspects of Xavien Howard. He is a talented cornerback who is still only 29 years old. He has the potential to be one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL for many years to come.

1. Coverage Skills

Xavien Howard's coverage skills are a key part of his success as a cornerback. He has excellent technique and instincts, and he is able to stay with receivers even when they are running deep routes. This makes him a valuable asset to the Steelers' defense, as he can be counted on to cover the other team's best receiver.

One of the things that makes Howard so good in coverage is his ability to read the quarterback's eyes. He is able to anticipate where the ball is going, and he can adjust his position accordingly. This makes it difficult for receivers to get open against him, even if they have a step on him.

Howard is also a very physical cornerback. He is not afraid to come up and hit, and he is also a good tackler in the open field. This makes him a difficult receiver to shake, and it also helps him to prevent big plays.

Overall, Howard's coverage skills are a key part of his success as a cornerback. He is able to stay with receivers even when they are running deep routes, and he is also a physical tackler. This makes him a valuable asset to the Steelers' defense.

Here are some examples of Howard's coverage skills in action:

In 2020, Howard intercepted a pass from Patrick Mahomes in the end zone. Mahomes is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and this interception showed Howard's ability to read the quarterback's eyes and make a big play.
In 2021, Howard intercepted a pass from Justin Herbert in the fourth quarter. This interception helped the Steelers to seal a victory over the Chargers.

These are just a few examples of Howard's coverage skills. He is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and he is a key part of the Steelers' defense.

2. Ball Skills

Xavien Howard's ball skills are a key part of his success as a cornerback. He has great instincts and anticipation, and he is able to make plays on the ball even when it is not thrown directly to him. This makes him a valuable asset to the Steelers' defense, as he can be counted on to make big plays.

One of the things that makes Howard so good at making plays on the ball is his ability to read the quarterback's eyes. He is able to anticipate where the ball is going, and he can adjust his position accordingly. This makes it difficult for quarterbacks to complete passes against him, even if they have open receivers.

Howard is also very athletic and has great hands. This allows him to make interceptions and force fumbles even when the ball is not thrown directly to him. He is also a very good tackler, which makes him a threat to receivers even after they have caught the ball.

Overall, Howard's ball skills are a key part of his success as a cornerback. He is able to make plays on the ball even when it is not thrown directly to him, and he is also a very good tackler. This makes him a valuable asset to the Steelers' defense.

Here are some examples of Howard's ball skills in action:

In 2020, Howard intercepted a pass from Patrick Mahomes in the end zone. Mahomes is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and this interception showed Howard's ability to read the quarterback's eyes and make a big play.
In 2021, Howard intercepted a pass from Justin Herbert in the fourth quarter. This interception helped the Steelers to seal a victory over the Chargers.
In 2022, Howard forced a fumble from Joe Burrow in the AFC Divisional Round. This fumble helped the Steelers to advance to the AFC Championship Game.

These are just a few examples of Howard's ball skills. He is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and he is a key part of the Steelers' defense.

3. Tackling

Xavien Howard's tackling ability is a key part of his success as a cornerback. He is a physical and aggressive tackler who is not afraid to come up and hit. He is also a good tackler in the open field, which makes him a threat to receivers even after they have caught the ball.

One of the things that makes Howard so good at tackling is his strength and athleticism. He is able to shed blocks and make tackles even when he is outmatched in size. He is also very quick and agile, which allows him to close on receivers quickly and make tackles in the open field.

Howard's tackling ability is also important because it helps to prevent big plays. He is able to wrap up receivers and bring them down before they can get up to full speed. This prevents them from making big gains and helps the Steelers' defense to get off the field.

Here are some examples of Howard's tackling ability in action:

In 2020, Howard tackled running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire for a loss of yards on a screen pass. This tackle helped the Steelers to force a punt and get the ball back.
In 2021, Howard tackled wide receiver Keenan Allen short of the first down on a third-and-long play. This tackle helped the Steelers to force a field goal and keep the Chargers out of the end zone.
In 2022, Howard tackled tight end Travis Kelce for a loss of yards on a crossing route. This tackle helped the Steelers to force a punt and get the ball back.

These are just a few examples of Howard's tackling ability. He is one of the best tackling cornerbacks in the NFL, and he is a key part of the Steelers' defense.

In conclusion, Xavien Howard's tackling ability is a key part of his success as a cornerback. He is a physical and aggressive tackler who is not afraid to come up and hit. He is also a good tackler in the open field, which makes him a threat to receivers even after they have caught the ball. Howard's tackling ability helps to prevent big plays and helps the Steelers' defense to get off the field.

4. Leadership

Xavien Howard is not only a talented cornerback, but he is also a leader on the field and in the locker room. He is a vocal leader who is always willing to help his teammates. This is important for the Steelers because it helps to create a positive and supportive environment. When players feel like they have a leader they can look up to, they are more likely to perform at their best.

On-Field Leadership
On the field, Howard is a vocal leader who is always communicating with his teammates. He helps to make sure everyone is on the same page and that they are aligned in their goals. He is also a great example for his teammates. He plays with passion and intensity, and he is always willing to put in the extra work.
Locker Room Leadership
In the locker room, Howard is a positive and supportive leader. He is always willing to help his teammates, both on and off the field. He is also a great mentor for younger players. He is always willing to share his knowledge and experience, and he helps them to develop as players and as people.
Impact on the Steelers
Howard's leadership is invaluable to the Steelers. He helps to create a positive and supportive environment, and he is a great example for his teammates. He is a key part of the Steelers' success, and he is a big reason why they are one of the most respected teams in the NFL.

In conclusion, Xavien Howard is a great leader on and off the field. He is a vocal leader who is always willing to help his teammates. He is a key part of the Steelers' success, and he is a big reason why they are one of the most respected teams in the NFL.

5. Playmaking Ability

Xavien Howard is a playmaker. He has a knack for making big plays at critical moments in games. This ability is one of the things that makes him so valuable to the Steelers. When the game is on the line, Howard is the player that the Steelers can count on to make a big play.

Interceptions
Howard has a knack for making big interceptions. He has 25 interceptions in his career, which is tied for the most among active players. Howard's ability to read quarterbacks and make big plays on the ball is one of his most valuable assets. He is a threat to make an interception every time he steps on the field.
Forced Fumbles
Howard is also a force in the running game. He has 10 forced fumbles in his career, which is tied for the most among active players. Howard's ability to strip the ball from ball carriers is a major asset to the Steelers' defense. He can create turnovers and give the Steelers' offense a chance to score.
Touchdowns
Howard has also scored a touchdown in his career. He returned an interception for a touchdown in 2020. Howard's ability to make big plays and score touchdowns is a major asset to the Steelers' offense. He can give the Steelers a big play when they need it most.
Conclusion
Overall, Howard's playmaking ability is one of the things that makes him so valuable to the Steelers. He is a player who can make big plays at critical moments in games. He is a threat to score every time he touches the ball, and he can also make big plays on defense. Howard is a key part of the Steelers' success, and he is one of the best playmakers in the NFL.

6. Contract

The Steelers are in need of a cornerback, and Howard is one of the best in the NFL. He is entering the final year of his contract with the Dolphins, and he is set to become a free agent in 2024. This means that the Steelers could potentially sign Howard to a contract extension or trade for him before the 2023 season.

Salary Cap Implications
If the Steelers sign Howard to a contract extension, they will need to create cap space. Howard is set to make $10.2 million in 2023, and he could command a salary of $15-20 million per year on a new contract. The Steelers could create cap space by cutting or trading other players, or they could restructure Howard's contract.
Trade Compensation
If the Steelers trade for Howard, they will need to give up compensation to the Dolphins. The compensation could include draft picks, players, or a combination of both. The value of the compensation will depend on Howard's contract and the Dolphins' willingness to trade him.
Impact on the Steelers Defense
If the Steelers sign or trade for Howard, he would be a major upgrade to their defense. Howard is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and he would give the Steelers a much-needed playmaker on the back end. Howard would also help to take some of the pressure off of Minkah Fitzpatrick, who has been playing both cornerback and safety for the Steelers.

Overall, the Steelers have a number of options to consider when it comes to Xavien Howard. They could sign him to a contract extension, trade for him, or let him become a free agent in 2024. The Steelers' decision will likely depend on their salary cap situation and their assessment of Howard's value.

7. Trade Rumors

The trade rumors surrounding Xavien Howard and the Pittsburgh Steelers stem from a number of factors. First, Howard is entering the final year of his contract with the Miami Dolphins and is set to become a free agent in 2024. This means that the Dolphins could be willing to trade him in order to get something in return before he leaves for nothing.

Salary Cap Implications
The Dolphins are currently in a difficult salary cap situation, and trading Howard would free up some much-needed cap space. Howard is set to make $10.2 million in 2023, and the Dolphins could save that money by trading him.
The Steelers' Need for a Cornerback
The Steelers are in need of a cornerback, and Howard is one of the best in the NFL. The Steelers have a number of young cornerbacks on their roster, but none of them have proven to be a consistent playmaker. Howard would give the Steelers a much-needed upgrade at the cornerback position.
The Dolphins' Willingness to Trade
The Dolphins have reportedly been willing to listen to trade offers for Howard. This is likely due to the Dolphins' salary cap situation and their desire to get younger and cheaper at the cornerback position.

Overall, the trade rumors surrounding Xavien Howard and the Pittsburgh Steelers make sense for both teams. The Dolphins could get some much-needed salary cap relief and draft picks in exchange for Howard, while the Steelers could get a much-needed upgrade at the cornerback position. It remains to be seen whether the two teams can agree on a trade, but it is certainly a possibility.

FAQs on Xavien Howard and His Relevance to the Pittsburgh Steelers

This section addresses frequently asked questions about Xavien Howard and his potential association with the Pittsburgh Steelers, providing clear and informative answers.

Question 1: What is Xavien Howard's current contractual status with the Miami Dolphins?

Xavien Howard is entering the final year of his contract with the Miami Dolphins. He is set to become a free agent in 2024.

Question 2: Why are there rumors suggesting a potential trade involving Xavien Howard and the Pittsburgh Steelers?

The trade rumors stem from several factors. Firstly, Howard's contract with the Dolphins is expiring, making him a potential trade candidate. Secondly, the Steelers have a need for a cornerback, and Howard is widely regarded as one of the best in the NFL. Additionally, the Dolphins may be willing to trade Howard to alleviate salary cap constraints.

Question 3: How would Xavien Howard's acquisition impact the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense?

Howard's addition would significantly bolster the Steelers' defense. He is an exceptional cornerback with a proven track record of making big plays, including interceptions and forced fumbles. His presence would provide the Steelers with a much-needed upgrade at the cornerback position.

Question 4: What are the potential obstacles to a trade between the Dolphins and Steelers for Xavien Howard?

The primary obstacle lies in the compensation that the Steelers would need to offer the Dolphins in exchange for Howard. The Dolphins may demand a significant return, including draft picks or other players. Additionally, the Steelers would need to ensure that Howard's contract fits within their salary cap structure.

Question 5: What is the likelihood of Xavien Howard joining the Pittsburgh Steelers?

The likelihood of a trade is difficult to predict. Both teams would need to find a mutually acceptable agreement, considering factors such as compensation, salary cap implications, and team needs. While the rumors suggest interest from both sides, it remains to be seen whether a trade will materialize.

Summary: Xavien Howard's contract situation and the Pittsburgh Steelers' need for a cornerback have fueled trade rumors. Howard's acquisition would significantly enhance the Steelers' defense, but the feasibility of a trade hinges on factors such as compensation and salary cap constraints. The likelihood of a trade remains uncertain, and further developments will determine the outcome.

Transition to the next article section: This concludes our exploration of Xavien Howard and his potential impact on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Stay tuned for further updates and analysis on this developing story.

Conclusion

Our exploration of Xavien Howard and his potential association with the Pittsburgh Steelers has shed light on the complexities of NFL roster management and the factors that drive trade rumors. While the possibility of Howard joining the Steelers remains uncertain, his exceptional abilities as a cornerback make him an attractive target for any team seeking to strengthen their defense.

The Steelers' need for an upgrade at the cornerback position is undeniable, and Howard's availability due to his expiring contract has sparked speculation. However, the Dolphins' salary cap constraints and the compensation that the Steelers would need to offer present potential obstacles to a trade. Ultimately, the realization of a Howard-to-Pittsburgh move hinges on the willingness of both teams to find a mutually beneficial agreement.

As the NFL offseason progresses, the trade landscape will continue to evolve. Rumors will persist, and new developments may emerge. Whether or not Xavien Howard dons the black and gold of the Pittsburgh Steelers remains to be seen, but the intrigue surrounding his potential move adds an exciting element to the NFL's offseason narrative.

We encourage readers to stay tuned for further updates and analysis as this story develops.