Now that the shock (well, not so much) that NY Giants tight end Darren Waller is expected to retire has passed, it's now time for general manager Joe Schoen to start thinking about free agency. The Giants now have around $11.6 million in extra cap space for the 2024 season.
With there being some solid depth at tight end, Schoen could look to the defensive side of the ball to invest in some help, more specifically for the secondary. Cornerback Xavien Howard remains a free agent now that his post-June 1 release from Miami has been made official. Should the G-Men reach out to his reps to see if there's mutual interest? Absolutely.
The NY Giants signing CB Xavien Howard would be huge for DC Shane Bowen
Howard has eight years of experience under his belt, having been a stud for the Miami Dolphins since 2016. He was a cap casualty, though, and he's now looking for a new home. While with Miami, Howard was a four-time Pro Bowler and he took home First-Team All-Pro honors in 2020.
Last season, the 6-1, 200-pounder finished with 45 total tackles, 12 pass deflections and one interception. His best football is surely behind him, but he's still got some quality ball left in him and he could be willing to sign an affordable one-year deal.
The Giants previously tried to ink a veteran CB in free agency, but swung and missed with both Tre'Davious White and Darious Williams. For now, the plan is for Deonte Banks to be CB1 and Cor'Dale Flott to be on the other side of the field as CB2.
Flott has potential, but his game has been a bit inconsistent at times for the G-Men. Howard would immediately provide a lot more experience and he'd most certainly be an upgrade there. Losing Waller to retirement sucks, but Schoen has a decent amount of dough to now work with. Howard should be one of the first free agents he reaches out to.