UPDATE: The Miami Dolphins have reached out to the Sun Sentinel and stated that they do NOT intend to trade Xavien Howard.
Dolphins to me:"The report in the South Florida Sun Sentinel is factually inaccurate and based on rumors.The paper practiced poor journalism by not reaching out to the team for comment or the chance to respond to the story. We are not exploring any trades regarding Xavien Howard"
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) October 27, 2020
The Miami Dolphins have already made a big change to their offense, and they may soon be making a big change to the defensive side of the ball as well.
According to Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel, the Dolphins are fielding trade offers for star cornerback Xavien Howard ahead of next month’s trade deadline.
“Along with handing the team’s starting quarterback job to Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins brain trust also discussed whether or not standout cornerback Xavien Howard will be part of the franchise’s future, even though the organization signed him to a five-year deal worth $75.25 million before the 2019 season,” he wrote.
“According to league sources, the Dolphins are fielding offers for the Pro Bowl talent, who has pulled down four interceptions in the past four games, and 16 interceptions in the 39 games he’s played since the 2017 season.
“The source said the Dolphins already have an offer on the table for Howard, and are seriously considering moving the 27 year old before the NFL trade deadline, which is Tuesday at 4 p.m.
“Howard, who is 10 months into rehabbing a surgically repaired left knee, hasn’t requested a trade, according a source. But he does wonder if the team views him as a important part of what General Manger Chris Grier and head coach Brian Flores are building.”
It’s a pretty stunning revelation considering the fact that Howard already has four interceptions on the season.
The news could be a sign that Howard has caused some unknown issues in the locker room. It could also be a sign that the Dolphins are falling in love with rookie cornerback Noah Igbinoghene.
Surely, some fans are hoping this could also be some misdirection from Dolphins head coach Brian Flores.
Whatever it is, Howard’s future with the team will be more apparent quite soon. The NFL trade deadline is on Nov. 3.
