The Xavien Howard period in Miami could also be nearing its finish. On Tuesday night, the star cornerback took to social media to formally announce that he has requested a commerce from the Dolphins amid a contract dispute. Within the prolonged assertion, Howard defined his facet of the scenario, saying that he feels he’s underpaid as one of many higher cornerbacks that the NFL has to supply.  

“I’ve given my coronary heart and soul to the Miami Dolphins franchise since they drafted me in 2016, and wish to make it clear that I like my teammates,” Howard’s assertion reads. “They’re my household. However what I’ve discovered is that the enterprise facet of the NFL proves organizations do not all the time have a participant’s finest curiosity at coronary heart. My expertise with the Dolphins the previous few seasons has taught me that. 

“In 2018, I signed an extension that I am going to admit I did not utterly perceive, or really feel comfy with. I’ve performed on that deal for 2 seasons and did not complain, however everybody is aware of I’ve considerably outperformed that deal. I am probably the greatest cornerbacks within the NFL, and the tape backs up that declare. The assignments I am given, shadowing the opposition’s finest participant with little assist, proves my worth, my price. But, I am the second highest-paid cornerback by myself group, and it isn’t even shut.

“I wish to clear up just a few misconceptions about my scenario. My agent David Canter and I’ve by no means as soon as requested for a totally new contract. We wished issues to work out with the Dolphins, and introduced options to the desk — like guaranteeing more cash — that we felt had been win-wins for each side. These had been proposals of changes that would not simply make me really feel extra revered, however had been additionally cap pleasant. However the Dolphins refused every thing we proposed. 

“That’s the reason I do not really feel the group has handled me in good religion. I do not really feel valued or revered by the Dolphins. Similar to they take a business-first method, so can I. That’s the reason I wish to make it clear I am not glad, and have requested a commerce. Till that commerce occurs, I’m simply right here so I do not get fined, and can deal with myself like professionals do.” 

Howard’s last notice in his commerce request is a nod to the All-Professional nook arriving at Dolphins coaching camp earlier on Tuesday, electing to take part as a substitute of being fined amid a holdout. The 28-year-old held out of obligatory minicamp earlier this summer season, taking the effective of $93,000. 

All this, as Howard highlights in his assertion, is about wanting a revised contract. Presently, he has a mean annual wage of $15,050,000, making him the sixth-highest-paid cornerback within the NFL. That stems from a five-year, $75.25 million extension he signed with the Dolphins in 2019. 

Whereas that will appear to be a fast turnaround to ask for a brand new deal, Howard does spotlight a strong case. He is coming off an All-Professional season in 2020 the place he led the NFL with 10 interceptions and 20 passes defended. Howard additionally held opposing quarterbacks to 30.3 passer score when focused. Relationship to 2017, he is recorded essentially the most interceptions within the league (22). 

That actually deserves issues for a pay bump, particularly contemplating he is the second-highest-paid nook on his group. In March 2020, the Dolphins signed Bryon Jones to a five-year, $82 million, which made him the league’s highest-paid nook on the time. Provided that Howard has outproduced Jones, there is a strong case to be made to deliver his AAV to a extra respectable quantity. 

If the Dolphins concede to Howard’s commerce request, it is going to be fascinating to see what they’re going to be capable of fetch for him. Provided that groups may also want to offer him a revised contract upon buying him, the haul Miami could also be taking a look at might not be as profitable in comparison with the expertise strolling out the door.