What the Hell is Going On with Miami, Xavien Howard? -

The Miami Dolphins have been gearing up for the 2021 NFL season, making offseason moves they feel will put them in position to be a playoff contender. One player the team may have not considered as being a roadblock ahead of next season is standout veteran cornerback Xavien Howard.

Howard, who led the NFL in interceptions last season and was the first with double digits since Antonio Cromartie in 2007, missed all of Miami’s mandatory minicap due to being unhappy with his contract situation. He is currently making less than fellow starting CB Byron Jones despite producing at a higher level.

Howard: Standout Five-Year Veteran with Dolphins

Howard is a five-year veteran who was drafted by the Dolphins in 2016 and his best seasons with the team came during 2017, 2018 and 2020.

In 2017, he appeared and started in all 16 games. He racked up 48 tackles (42 solo, six assisted) while additionally snagging four interceptions for a total of 71 yards.

In 2018, he appeared and started in 12 games where he was a defensive anchor. He racked up 35 total tackles (25 solo, 10 assisted) after catching a career-high seven interceptions, at the time, for 52 yards.

Howard’s Best Season Came in 2020

This past season he helped lead the Dolphins defensively to a complete turnaround 10-6 overall record. He caught a new career-high 10 interceptions for 77 yards and collected 51 tackles (40 solo, 11 assisted). If he has seasons like he did during these three campaigns, he will increase his value as a cornerback in the league.

Previous Injuries Only Plague of Howard’s

The only downside for Howard in recent seasons has been his injury woes. Enough so that it caused him to only appear in (and start) five games in 2019. He amassed just one interception and only made a grand total of 17 tackles (12 solo).

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Miami Entertaining Trade Possibilities

The Dolphins are currently taking a look at different trade scenarios involving Howard. The most recent official update, as of June 15, is that it is unclear if Howard will rejoin the team and it is truly contingent on his contract.

The current trade speculations have Miami currently in talks with the Arizona Cardinals, the Dallas Cowboys, the Houston Texans and the Jacksonville Jaguars if the Dolphins and Howard are unable to agree on terms.

The One Burning Question

The only question Miami has to ask itself is ‘will they get enough in return for the running defensive player of the year’ if it fails to negotiate or believe Howard’s demands are worth matching?

Can Miami and Howard Find Common Ground?

He is a valuable asset to the team’s future, but at the same time, the Dolphins need to pay more people in the secondary. Head coach Brian Flores has also proven in his tenure that he is quick when it comes to rebuilding.

There is currently no standout trade scenario or proposed new contract offer. That only points to Miami considering all options for Howard.

Full Press Dolphins will continue monitoring Howard’s situation.

– Daniel Roberts is a Sports Contributor for Full Press Coverage Miami Dolphins. Like and follow on Follow @dantheman1892 Follow @FPC_Dolphins and Facebook.