Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard is currently in the midst of a contract dispute with the team. He even took a cryptic shot at the team on Tuesday on Instagram.
The former second-round pick is looking for an improved deal after a fantastic 2020 season in which he led the league with 10 interceptions and 20 passes defended. The Dolphins, however, are not willing to give him a new deal as his current five-year contract just started last season.
Several teams around the league are surely paying close attention to the situation, and a recent report states that there are multiple teams interested in trading for Howard.
3) There are several teams, all in win-now mode, pondering such a move. If no one steps up to meet Miami's price, Howard (who skipped the offseason program) could try to force the issue by holding out of training camp. He could be fined $50,000 a day in that scenario. Stay tuned.
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) July 14, 2021
At the time Howard agreed to his current contract back in 2019, he was the highest paid cornerback in the league. He no longer owns that title, and after his first All-Pro season in 2020, it is not confusing to see why he wants a new contract.
A player of Howard’s ability would undoubtedly net the Dolphins a nice package in return, but it seems unlikely that the Dolphins would trade such a talented player that has four years left on his deal.
As preseason gets closer and closer with each day, it will be interesting to see which side ends up caving to the other’s demands first.
Miami’s first preseason game is on Aug. 14 against the Chicago Bears.
