Report: Xavien Howard could ask for trade if Miami Dolphins don’t negotiate new deal with him

A new report indicates that Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard could ask to be traded if the team chooses not to renegotiate his current contract.

Kevin Nogle of SB Nation offered that scenario and indicated that the developing situation has the potential to get ugly between Howard and the Dolphins.

“Howard is thought to be willing to ask for a trade should the Dolphins not come to the negotiating table,” Nogle wrote. “The Dolphins are believed to have no interest in trading one of the cornerstones for their defense and the franchise’s rebuild. Would Howard make it ugly for Miami if there is no new contract coming this offseason?”

In 2019, Howard signed a lucrative five-year contract extension with the Dolphins worth $75.25 million that was designed to keep him with the team through the 2024 season.

The 27-year-old Howard endured an injury-plagued 2019 campaign that limited him to just five games, but bounced back with an outstanding 2020 effort.

During the Dolphins’ 10-6 season, Howard led the NFL in both interceptions with 10 and passes defended with 20.

However, in the two years since signing his extension, Howard has dropped from being the league’s highest paid cornerback to the sixth spot in that category. His current salary also ranks behind fellow Dolphins cornerback Byron Jones.

The Dolphins’ apparent reluctance in renegotiating Howard’s deal is likely based on concerns about the salary cap and also avoiding the prospect of other signed Dolphins asking for new deals.

While no current trade talks are likely to commence, the situation could conceivably become an issue that can cause havoc with the 2021 Dolphins. That’s something that the team and especially head coach Brian Flores want to avoid.