Xavien Howard signs with the Indianapolis Colts and is immediately penciled in as a Week 1 starter beside Charvarius Ward and Kenny Moore III, forming a revamped secondary that teams up with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s scheme. Howard, who sat out in 2024, cites a strong relationship with Anarumo and has spent the offseason prepping to hit the field with familiarity to his new system. The move plugs a veteran with cornerback pedigree into a Colts unit that will lean on a strong cover trio to bolster a defense trying to find its identity in a quarterback competition-heavy season.

Howard’s return could buoy a pass defense that must keep pace with an offense-hungry league. While the Colts settled QB questions by naming Daniel Jones the starter, the defense will largely determine the ceiling in fantasy terms. If Howard recaptures peak form, Indianapolis could swing several games with takeaway opportunities, while Ward and Moore III provide boundary and slot coverage that helps suppress big plays and lowers opposing passer fantasy upside.