Report: Miami Dolphins restructure Xavien Howard’s contract

The Miami Dolphins have reportedly restructured cornerback Xavien Howard’s contract.

The move has some implications on the team’s cap situation.

Howard is in his sixth season with the Dolphins. All of his years at the NFL level have come with Miami so far.

This season, he has appeared in 10 of the team’s 11 games. He has racked up 12 passes defended and two interceptions so far. The 28-year-old also has two fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles to his credit.

Last season, Howard led the league in inceptions (10) and passes defended (20). He was named a Pro Bowler for the second time in his career.

The former second-round pick would surely love to challenge for a Super Bowl title before his prime years come to an end.

The Dolphins probably aren’t title contenders this season, but it might not be too late for the team to make some noise in the playoff race. Although Miami is 4-7 on the season, the team has some very winnable games remaining.

If the Dolphins can take advantage of their relatively easy remaining schedule, they could definitely find themselves fighting for a postseason bid over the final week or two of the regular season.

That didn’t seem like a possibility a few games ago, but with each victory, the Dolphins are making things more interesting. The squad is refusing to quit.

Right now, the team is focused on the Carolina Panthers, who will come to town this weekend. Miami needs a victory on Sunday to extend its winning streak to four games.