The Dallas Cowboys explored the possibility of adding former All-Pro cornerback Xavien Howard to their roster but ultimately decided against signing him.
With their secondary depleted due to injuries, the Cowboys are in need of reinforcements. Trevon Diggs is dealing with an injury, while backups Juanyeh Thomas and Josh Butler are sidelined — Butler for the season with a torn ACL. Rookie Caelen Carson is also on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.
Howard participated in a workout for the Cowboys on Wednesday, alongside other defensive backs, including cornerbacks Troy Pride and Dee Delaney, as well as safety Joshuah Bledsoe. While Pride and Delaney were signed to the practice squad, Howard was not offered a contract.
Howard has been a free agent this season after being released by the Miami Dolphins in March. Despite his impressive track record — including 99 career starts, four Pro Bowl selections (most recently in 2022), and 29 interceptions — he has yet to find a new team. Earlier in the year, he turned down an opportunity to join the Cincinnati Bengals after a workout.
Ahead of the Cowboys’ decision, NFL reporter Josina Anderson revealed her sources indicated Dallas had “no immediate plans” to bring Howard on board.
Cowboys Defense Fueling Recent Wins
The Cowboys have strung together consecutive victories to improve to 5-7, largely thanks to their defense. As players return to health and adjust to first-year defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s system, the unit is beginning to thrive at a critical juncture.
“We all see a difference, don’t we?” linebacker Micah Parsons said after the Thanksgiving win against the Giants. “The film’s not lying. Everybody’s staying in their gaps. We’re playing honest and true. That just goes to show that we’re just starting to believe in each other, really buying into the program and understanding that we really can be good.”
Parsons, who missed four games with an ankle injury, made a significant impact upon his Week 10 return. Over the last two games, he has tallied 3.5 sacks and 11 tackles, reigniting the defense.
“We’re a better football team, a better defense, when Micah is on the field,” head coach Mike McCarthy said. “That is without question. He’s an impact player without a doubt.”
Cowboys Still Eyeing Playoff Push
Despite their recent wins, the Cowboys face steep odds to reach the postseason. Projections from The Athletic give Dallas less than a 1 percent chance to secure a playoff spot. To have any hope, the team must continue winning and rely on favorable outcomes from other NFC Wild Card contenders.
While the road ahead is challenging, Parsons urged critics not to dismiss the Cowboys’ chances.
“Everybody’s been counting us out,” Parsons said. “I believe we’re going to turn it around and make a run.”
Dallas’ next challenge comes on Monday Night Football when they host the Bengals. The Bengals enter the matchup as five-point road favorites.
