Reports: No deals after Bengals work out Xavien Howard, Leonard Fournette

The Cincinnati Bengals met with free agent Xavien Howard on Monday, but the team could not reach a deal with the four-time Pro Bowl cornerback, NFL Network reported.

Howard returned home after a good workout with the Bengals and plans to continue training in hopes of another opportunity, per the report.

Howard, 31, played in 100 games (99 starts) for the Miami Dolphins from 2016-23.

The Dolphins released Howard on March 13 in a cost-cutting move, saving an estimated $18.5 million.

The Bengals (4-6) are looking for help in the secondary as they try to make a playoff push.

Howard tallied 29 interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), 95 passes defensed and 331 tackles with Miami.

The Bengals also reportedly had veteran running back Leonard Fournette in for a workout, but they went on to sign running back Gary Brightwell to their practice squad, according to Brightwell's agent.

The Bengals were eyeing Fournette for their practice squad, per reports. The team traded for Khalil Herbert last week after placing RB Zack Moss (neck) on injured reserve.

Fournette, 29, appeared in two games last year with the Buffalo Bills, rushing for 40 yards on 12 carries. The former No. 4 overall pick in 2017 has rushed for 4,518 yards and 34 touchdowns in 81 games (61 starts) for the Jacksonville Jaguars (2017-19), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020-22) and Bills.

Brightwell, 25, played in 37 games across the 2021-23 seasons for the New York Giants, getting 41 carries for 164 yards and a touchdown. He started this season with the Cleveland Browns but saw limited playing time in two appearances before he was released.

--Field Level Media