Report: Miami Dolphins take precautionary step as Xavien Howard drama continues

The Miami Dolphins are taking steps to deal with the continuing crisis involving cornerback Xavien Howard by looking at four other cornerbacks to fill Howard’s potential absence.

Howard spent most of the offseason campaigning for a new contract after putting together an outstanding campaign in 2020. However, the Dolphins have thus far declined to make any new offer, which has led to an odd situation in the Dolphins’ camp.

The 28-year-old Howard has reported to camp, but has yet to practice with the team, with the standoff showing no signs of coming to an end any time soon.

Howard has requested a trade, but Dolphins head coach Brian Flores has emphatically dismissed the idea. In addition, the Dolphins are reportedly “unlikely” to trade Howard, despite some inquiries.

At present, Howard still has plenty of time left on the contract worth nearly $75.3 million that he signed in 2019, which explains why the Dolphins don’t appear to be in any rush.

Yet, with the Dolphins aiming to get back to the postseason, the team needs Howard back in the lineup, regardless of his frame of mind.

The hope is that both sides can smooth things over over the next month, since the Dolphins’ first official game of the 2021 season is set for Sept. 12 against the New England Patriots.