7 free-agent cornerbacks the Vikings could sign in 2024

Free-Agent Cornerback No. 2

Xavien Howard

2023 Team: Miami Dolphins

Sometimes, a player who is entering the twilight of his career looks to find a contender to play for, and others choose to reunite with a coach whom they loved playing for. Howard would be the latter part of that, as he and Brian Flores had a bromance so intense that it could be the plot of a sequel to "The Notebook."

In 2020, which would have been his second season with Flores, Howard was arguably the best cornerback in football. He exploded with 10 interceptions, 20 passes defensed, 51 total tackles, and a forced fumble. He proved to be a perfect fit in that system and the two have raved about each other ever since.

Howard was released by the Dolphins a few weeks back in a cost-cutting move, as that team is currently in salary cap hell. While his age isn't exactly a great fit for a team that is in the midst of a "competitive rebuild," he can still be a valuable asset on and off the field.

With Harrison Smith's future in the air, Howard can be the new old man in the secondary and help teach these young players the nuances of Brian Flores's scheme.

He likely wouldn't be that expensive either and could be had at a decent rate. Adding Howard makes sense for the Vikings on multiple levels, and he's a name worth keeping an eye on.