The 2021 NFL trade deadline passed with Xavien Howard remaining a member of the Miami Dolphins despite trade rumors surrounding the cornerback.
One of the teams that reportedly had interest in acquiring Howard was the Baltimore Ravens. However, no trade materialized for various reasons, according to league insider Ian Rapoport.
“Most notably, the Ravens made a run at Dolphins All-Pro cornerback Xavien Howard, sources say, aiming to add a marquee player to their secondary for the second half,” wrote Rapoport. “That’s just one of the major deals they discussed.
“Yet Howard isn’t a Raven now for a variety of reasons. For one, Miami wanted premium picks for a player of Howard’s caliber, likely a first-rounder and more. To make that happen, Baltimore would have wanted the Dolphins to eat some of what’s left of Howard’s $13.785 million salary.”
Ravens fans would likely have been thrilled if Baltimore had succeeded in landing the 28-year-old cornerback. The team has been hit hard by the injury bug this season. Even so, it is currently 5-2 in the standings, leading the AFC North division.
As for Howard, he implied before the trade deadline that he wanted to remain with Miami. He got his wish.
In the 2020 season, Howard had a very productive season. After leading the league in passes defended and interceptions, he was named to first-team All-Pro.
This season, he has 10 defended passes and two interceptions in seven games.
The Dolphins are just 1-7 and have quite a tough road ahead if they still want to contend for a playoff berth.
