Colts CB and former Dolphins All-Pro Xavien Howard has made a drastic decision following a rough showing in Week 4
Colts CB Xavien Howard has decided it is time to retire from the NFL.
It’s been a rough four weeks for Indianapolis Colts starting CB Xavien Howard. His worst start of the year came in Week 4, when he allowed Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua to explode for a massive day. It seems the struggles finally became too much for Howard, as the team announced the veteran is officially retiring from the NFL.
Colts lose starting CB Xavien Howard to retirement
The Colts signed Howard this offseason and essentially gave him the second starting outside CB spot right away. His experience with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo played a role in this, but also a lack of trust in other options on the roster. Now the team will have to figure out a new plan at CB with Howard’s time in the NFL now coming to an end.
The team’s top options on the roster to start in Week 5 are now Mekhi Blackmon, who they traded for ahead of cutdown day, and UDFA Jonathan Edwards. If I had to guess, Blackmon gets the first crack at the starting job, with Jaylon Jones also potentially returning from IR in the near future. I also wouldn’t rule out the possibility of the team making a move to add a CB via free agency or a trade.
Reflecting on Xavien Howard’s great career
“Happy trails to Howard for his official retirement. He’ll go down as one of the greatest defenders to suit up for the Dolphins since the turn of the millennium, thanks to his prolific ball skills and his surreal performance during the 2020 season, in which he posted 10 interceptions and an additional 20 passes defensed — yet somehow managed to only finish third in the Defensive Player of the Year voting.
It is a bit of a shame that Howard decided to play in 2025 after failing to garner enough interest in 2024 and found himself suiting up for a team other than Miami — as it was apparent by the end of the 2023 season that the lower-body injuries he battled throughout the course of his career had taken their toll and sapped his ability to play in space effectively.
Hopefully, his bid for a return with Lou Anarumo and the Colts this fall, and the subsequent results, give Howard the peace of mind he needs to know that he’s fulfilled the career he was meant to play.”
– Kyle Crabbs, A to Z Sports Miami
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