Colts Add Xavien Howard Amid Injury Crisis at Cornerback

By Jason Bolton August 19, 2025 07:24

The Indianapolis Colts took a decisive step to shore up their defensive backfield by signing veteran cornerback Xavien Howard on a one-year deal reportedly worth up to $5 million. The move, officially announced August 18, 2025, comes at a crucial time as the Colts face a rash of injuries in their cornerback group ahead of a competitive 2025 NFL season.

Howard, 32, is a four-time Pro Bowl selection and former first-team All-Pro known for his elite ball skills and coverage ability. Drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Howard led the league in interceptions in both 2018 (7 picks) and 2020 (10 picks), totaling 29 interceptions and 95 passes defended in his career. After an injury-plagued 2024 season and subsequent release by Miami in February 2025, this contract represents Howard’s fresh start with a familiar defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo, who coached him during his early Dolphins years.

The Colts’ cornerback room was already thin before training camp due to injuries. Top rookie cornerback Justin Walley suffered a season-ending torn ACL, while second-year players JuJu Brents and Jaylon Jones contend with lingering hamstring woes. Veteran starter Kenny Moore II is sidelined with a knee injury, and undrafted rookie Johnathan Edwards has seen more action than expected, only to exit a recent game with a concussion. This cluster of setbacks pressured the Colts’ front office to bring in proven veteran depth, particularly as they prepare to face a demanding AFC South and a challenging schedule overall.

The addition of Howard gives the Colts much-needed stability and experience in their defensive secondary. Anarumo praised Howard’s ball-hawking instincts and leadership, saying, “Xavien brings a unique competitiveness and awareness in the secondary. His experience and skillset greatly enhance our ability to disrupt opposing passing games.” Howard’s presence also serves as mentorship for the younger defenders adjusting to NFL speed and complexity.

Though Howard hasn’t played since the 2024 season, the Colts are optimistic about his health and ability to return to form. With the team requiring immediate reinforcements, Howard is expected to compete for a starting spot alongside newly signed corner Charius Ward, a 2023 second-team All-Pro touted for his physicality and coverage skills. Ward’s three-year, $60 million contract signals the Colts’ commitment to re-establishing a dominant cornerback duo.

Beyond statistics, Howard’s reputation as a red-zone shutdown corner and clutch interceptor adds a layer of confidence to the Colts’ defense. His experience in high-pressure situations will be invaluable in close contests as Indianapolis fights for playoff relevance.

Despite off-field challenges in past years, including legal issues that have since been mitigated or dismissed, Howard has remained professional and focused on his football career. The Colts believe in providing a supportive environment to maximize his contributions on the field.

For Colts fans, this signing is a welcome development during a challenging offseason marked by personnel losses and injuries. It reflects the organization’s urgency to remain competitive and adaptable amid adversity.

As Howard begins practice integration with the Colts defense, the NFL community watches closely to see how quickly the veteran can regain full game shape. His successful return could be a defining factor in Indianapolis’ defensive resurgence and their quest for postseason success in 2025.

In summary, the Colts’ acquisition of Xavien Howard amid a cornerback injury crisis is a strategic move to bolster experience, leadership, and playmaking ability in the secondary. With Howard and Ward teaming up under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s guidance, Indianapolis is positioning itself better defensively to meet the demands of the upcoming season.