Xavien Howard Trade Rumors: The Miami cornerback has dominated most of the Dolphins’ headlines ahead of training camp. And after months of disarray, Howard finally announced that he has requested a trade from the Miami Dolphins.
Xavien Howard signed a massive $75.25M contract extension in the summer of 2019. But 2 years in, Howard seems adamant about signing a new contract after a career year in 2020.
Despite leading the league in interceptions (10) and passes defended (20) through the 2020 season, Howard is the sixth highest paid corner in the NFL — earning $15.1 million in average salary on his five-year, $75.25 million extension. Howard isn’t even the highest-paid secondary player on the roster. Byron Jones is slated to earn $40 million through the first two seasons of his five-year, $82.5 million deal.
Xavien Howard Trade Rumors: Dolphins Cornerback Publicly Demands Trade
In a public statement released on Tuesday night, Howard made it abundantly clear that he’s “unhappy” with his current contract.
“I’ve given my heart and soul to the Miami Dolphins franchise since they drafted me in 2016, and I want to make it abundantly clear that I love my teammates” Howard wrote. “They are my family. But what I’ve learned is that the business side of the NFL proves organizations don’t always have a player’s best interest at heart.”
“In 2018, I signed an extension that I didn’t completely understand, or feel comfortable with. I’ve played on that deal for two seasons and didn’t complain, but everyone knows I’ve significantly outperformed that deal.”
“I’m one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL and the tape backs up that claim,” Howard said. “The assignments I’m given, shadowing the oppositions’ best player with little help, proves my value, my worth. Yet I’m the second highest paid cornerback on my own team, and it’s not even close.”
“Until that trade happens I am just here so I don’t get fined,” Howard wrote, “and will handle myself like professionals do.” In 55 career games, Howard has 22 interceptions and 55 deflections to go with 191 tackles.
Also Read: NFL Trade Rumors: Top 3 Trade Destinations for Miami Dolphins star CB Xavien Howard.
