The Miami Dolphins have made significant changes to their roster in 2024, and two of their former players are currently the top available veteran players.
ESPN staff writer Matt Bowen ranked the 'best available' free agents on March 19, and he ranked cornerback Xavien Howard and center Connor Williams as the top two.
“Howard was officially released at the start of the league year by the Dolphins,” Bowen explained. “He will have interest from multiple teams, too, due to his perimeter coverage traits and on-the-ball production. Howard has 29 interceptions in eight seasons, and he can improve a contending secondary.”
Regarding Williams, Bowen argued: “A torn ACL suffered in December drops Williams here, but he was excellent for the Dolphins with a 93.9% pass block win rate before the injury. He compensates for his lack of power and anchor with the ability to play as a positional blocker. Williams is also very effective in open space, creating favorable angles to block defenders.”
Edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, safety Justin Simmons and offensive tackle Mekhi Becton completed Bowen’s top five remaining free agents.
Former Dolphins CB Xavien Howard Expresses Interest in Playing for Hometown Texans
Howard is from Houston, and he's been indicating that he’d be open to joining his hometown team in free agency.
During an appearance on “The OGs Podcast” with former Miami Heat players Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller, Howard mentioned that he “would love to” sign with the Houston Texans.
“Especially back at home, the crib,” Howard added. “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.”
The experienced CB even suggested that he’d accept a lower salary to play for the Texans.
“I’d rather take a pay cut to go to a team that’s going to go further in the playoffs,” Howard stated. “I got my money and stuff like that. I’m to the point, like, ‘How much money do you really need?’ 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.”
“Some people get paid, and some people win a Super Bowl. Some people do both. You do both, you’re different,” Howard concluded. Adding: “I want to be different. I want to win a Super Bowl now. I already got paid, so now [a Super Bowl] is what I’m looking forward to.”
With the offensive (C.J. Stroud) and defensive (Will Anderson) rookies of the year in 2023, Houston has a strong foundation that they’ve since reinforced with offseason additions like Danielle Hunter and Joe Mixon. They’re considered by many to be a dark horse championship contender next season.
Connor Williams Is Unlikely to Sign Anytime Soon
Regarding Williams, it seems the free agent blocker is unlikely to sign anytime soon.
His player agent Drew Rosenhaus told Miami television station WSVN that Williams sustained a “pretty significant” tear to his ACL on March 18.
“Without getting into his private business, it was a significant knee injury,” Rosenhaus reiterated to host Josh Moser. “So, he’s taking his time with his rehab. I don’t think his immediate plan is to sign with the Dolphins or any team right now.”
The agent continued, saying that Williams is very concentrated on improving his health first. Then, he will assess his situation. Therefore, it will take a long time before we see Connor Williams joining an NFL team.
Currently, the experienced center is not thinking about retiring, but it's uncertain when he will be prepared to come back.
