Miami Wants First-Rounder for Xavien Howard, Suitors Rumored

A few more details are unraveling for the Miami Dolphins and their saga with all-pro cornerback and two-time Pro-Bowler Xavien Howard.

Still unhappy with his current five-year, $75 million dollar contract, Howard has yet to rejoin the Dolphins in 2021 after his best season one year ago. Howard has skipped out on the team’s minicamp and has said he will skip Miami’s training camp as well if he is not dealt or extended again – a bold move that would cost him up to $50,000 dollars per day in fines.

Howard: Sixth-Highest Paid NFL Corner, Behind Teammate Byron Jones

Howard’s extension that he signed just two seasons ago made him the highest paid CB in the NFL. But now, he trails fellow teammate Byron Jones. At the time Jones signed as a free agent with the Dolphins, he and Howard were the top-two highest paid CBs in the league. Now, they are Nos. 5 and 6.

Howard is allegedly in search for a new deal, instead of a trade, following his league-leading 10 interception season last year. This was the first time a CB reached double-digit picks since Antonio Cromartie in 2007.

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With that said however, NFL Network’s Michael Silver thinks otherwise.

Silver believes the Dolphins would require at least a first-round pick from whomever is seeking such a high-caliber player. 

Interested Teams Revealed

As of Wednesday, the teams reported most interested included the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints. However, it has also been reported that Howard’s blockbuster landing spot makes the most sense with the Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks.

Howard Has Made His Mark in Career with Fins

Howard has been an incredible asset to the Dolphins, having been with the team since 2016. In his five seasons, the 28-year-old has accumulated 191 total tackles and one sack accompanied by 22 interceptions. 

Howard also led the league in interceptions in 2018 with seven and 2020 with his career-high 10. Should the Dolphins not acquire some talent or the option to do so with draft picks, it would certainly be a devastating blow to the team’s defense and their playoff contention.

FPC Dolphins will continue updating this situation as more information arises. For its previous report on Howard and the Dolphins click here.

Kayla Morton contributed to this article.

– Christian Chappell is a Sports Contributor for Full Press Coverage Miami Dolphins. Like and follow on Follow @cmoneypc Follow @FPC_Dolphins and Facebook.

– Kayla Morton is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Miami Dolphins. She is also currently competing in #SFB11. Reach out to her for donation information. Like and follow on Follow @northdakayla74 Follow @FPC_Dolphins and Facebook.