Dolphins Rumors: Xavien Howard Agrees to Restructured Contract with Miami
Aug 8, 2021
Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard (25) runs the football during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
The two parties reportedly agreed to a restructured contract on Sunday, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network and Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald broke down the details in the new contract:
What did Xavien Howard get? $1M Pro Bowl incentive. $3.5M in additional incentives. Rescinding all minicamp fines. The max for 2021 is $16,285,294 https://t.co/ZOjYPeHfJj
For 2022, Xavien Howard gets $500K in per-game roster bonuses and $100K in workout bonuses move to base salary and guaranteed. The full amount for 2022 of $12.975M is injury guaranteed with conversion to fully guaranteed the first day of league year. https://t.co/ZOjYPeHfJj
More for Xavien Howard: Now, $6.775 million of his 2022 salary is fully guaranteed at signing. Plus, he got assurances they will renegotiate a new deal in late February/ early March in line with market based on health and 2021 performance. https://t.co/Luz54lyGdK
Howard came into the offseason just one year through a five-year, $75.2 million contract with the Dolphins, though his $12.1 million cash for the 2021 season made him the 12th-highest-paid corner in football, placing behind teammate Byron Jones.
Garafolo noted he is likely the first NFL player to receive added money on a deal with four years remaining on his contract.
In June, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported that the 28-year-old was "displeased not only because he wants more money but because he believes he should be the team's highest-paid cornerback, according to a source close to the situation."
Howard was also open to being traded during the 2020 season, per the report, though a deal never materialized.
And in July, Howard campaigned for a trade:
Brian Flores on Xavien Howard adjusted contract: "Any negotiation, compromise is important...We want both sides to be happy and that's the case right now."
So it doesn't come as a major surprise that he was on the trade block.
The Baylor product was fantastic last year, leading the NFL in interceptions (10) and passes defended (20). It wasn't a major surprise that he wanted a contract restructure.
It was unclear if the Dolphins would grant him one or let him go in a trade. They took the former route, unwilling to let go of such a key performer with postseason aspirations going forward.
Dolphins 'Don't Want to Trade' Xavien Howard Despite Request, HC Brian Flores Says
Aug 6, 2021
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 03: Cornerback Xavien Howard #25 of the Miami Dolphins attends, but does not participate in practice drills during Training Camp at Baptist Health Training Complex on August 03, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Howard is being held out of practice for precautionary reasons, as ongoing contract discussions with the team continue. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores
said Friday "talks are progressing" with Xavien Howard after the
All-Pro cornerback requested a trade in July.
"We don't want to trade X. Write
that down," Flores told reporters. "He's a very good player. He's
a big part of the team. We don't want to trade him."
Although Howard said in his initial statement he wanted a trade because of unhappiness with his contract, he didn't rule out
staying in Miami after arriving at training camp last week.
"That's up to the Dolphins,"
the two-time Pro Bowler said. "I'm just here with
my teammates and enjoying every moment with my teammates."
The 28-year-old Baylor product is
entering the second season of a five-year, $75.3 million
contract with Miami.
His deal includes $12.1 million in total cash
for 2021, which ranks 12th among corners, per Spotrac. The Buffalo
Bills' Tre'Davious White leads the position at $18.3 million.
Howard is coming off a 2020 campaign
where he led the NFL in interceptions (10) and passes defended (20)
to go along with 51 total tackles across 16 appearances. He received a strong 87.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus,
suggesting his play on tape matched his terrific numbers.
The only thing that has held him back in his career is knee injuries, which have forced him to miss 24 games
over his five years with the Dolphins.
Regardless, he's in the upper echelon of NFL cornerbacks. His ability to lock down
some of the league's top wide receivers in single coverage helped the Miami defense find success last year, ranking sixth in points allowed (21.1 per game).
Losing him via either trade or contract
holdout would be a major setback for the unit. The Dolphins will try
to find a resolution before they open the regular season Sept.
12 with a road game against the AFC East rival New England Patriots.
Fading the Miami Dolphins offense in 2020 was a winning strategy in fantasy football, but managers should be wary of trying that tactic again in 2021...
Buyer Beware on Dolphins All-Pro CB Xavien Howard
Jul 30, 2021
Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard prepares to warm up during NFL football practice, Wednesday, July 28, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
All-Pro Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard isn't beating around the bush. He doesn't feel he's being compensated fairly, doesn't think the team has dealt with those feelings in good faith and wants to be traded.
Meanwhile, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that several organizations—including two playoff teams—have inquired about Howard's services.
Two words: caveat emptor. Buyer beware.
Yes, Howard is one of the NFL's best cornerbacks. And yes, he's coming off a fantastic campaign in which he became the first player in more than a decade to intercept 10 passes in a single season.
But there are plenty of red flags attached to a potential trade for a player who would also require a new contract.
Howard signed his deal just two years ago. It's the fourth-most valuable cornerback contract in the NFL. He's one of six corners making more than $15 million per season, and only a handful of corners possess contracts with more practical guarantees than his.
Howard boasts that he's "one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL," but he's already paid that way. And while the 2020 tape does support his claim, some caveats are in order.
First, Howard's broad body of work isn't as favorable. He's missed the majority of two of his five professional seasons, has been a first-team All-Pro just once and surrendered a 117.0 passer rating in coverage right after signing that lucrative contract in 2019. He played in just five games that season and was ejected from one of them for slapping an opposing player in the facemask.
Even in 2020, he was responsible for allowing four touchdowns. Sure, 10 picks beats the heck out of four touchdowns allowed, but both numbers were inflated by the fact that only six corners were targeted more often than him.
Fellow first-team All-Pro Jalen Ramsey was targeted 4.7 times per game, compared to 6.3 targets for Howard, who ranked outside the top 100 qualified defenders in terms of yards allowed per target. Oh, and in 2020 he was once again ejected as a result of an altercation with an opponent.
A team contemplating a trade for Howard should consider all of that, as well as the possibility that it's buying high. He's not old, but 28 isn't young for a corner either.
Recently, Chris Harris Jr. peaked as a first-time All-Pro at age 27 and hasn't been the same since; Asante Samuel wasn't the same after 28; Richard Sherman began to decline after his age-28 campaign; 31-year-old Patrick Peterson was last a Pro Bowler at 28; Darrelle Revis' final All-Pro season came at age 29; and the same could be said of Nnamdi Asomugha.
Most corners peak in their late 20s. Darrelle Revis is one example.
Can he sustain this? Can he stay healthy? Can he avoid becoming a distraction? Can he go a full season without an ejection? These are all fair questions, which is why it might not make sense for a team to give up capital in a trade in order to pay him even more than he already makes.
The timing of Howard's request for more money is ridiculous in itself. Not only does it come just two years into his five-year deal, but it also comes with the salary cap down significantly as a result of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on the league in 2020.
He's trying to capitalize on a career year, but this isn't the time to attempt to break the bank.
Before the Dolphins paid up for Howard, he had intercepted 11 passes and earned one Pro Bowl nod in his previous two seasons, with a combined approximate value (AV) mark of 18 at Pro Football Reference. Since then, he has 11 interceptions and one Pro Bowl honor in two seasons, with a combined AV of 21.
Is that really worthy of a pay increase in a down year across the league financially?
It's possible a contender won't care. That team might believe Howard could be the final piece of the puzzle in the quest to capture a Super Bowl, and that's fair. But anybody who attempts to acquire him should realize that doing so won't represent a good long-term investment.
Brad Gagnon has covered the NFL for Bleacher Report since 2012. Follow him on Twitter: @Brad_Gagnon.
Xavien Howard Rumors: Dolphins Haven't Had Significant Contract Talks amid Trade Buzz
Jul 29, 2021
Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard prepares to warm up during NFL football practice, Wednesday, July 28, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
The Miami Dolphins and cornerback Xavien Howard reportedly haven't held any major contract talks in recent days.
According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, any contract talks between the Dolphins and Howard's agent, David Canter, over the past couple of days have not been "significant."
Howard released the following statement Tuesday, noting that he is unhappy with his contract and requested a trade:
Despite that, Howard reported to training camp in order to avoid any potential fines.
Salguero noted that Howard was on the practice field for stretching Thursday before leaving and not returning. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald followed up with a report that Howard's absence was due to a minor injury.
Howard, 28, signed a five-year, $75.25 million contract extension with the Dolphins in 2019, but he has quickly outperformed that deal. The problem for Howard is that he is under contract for four more seasons and the Dolphins have no obligation to trade him.
As part of his statement, Howard said he asked the Dolphins to restructure his current deal in a way that would have netted him more guaranteed money and helped Miami with cap savings, but the Dolphins refused.
Howard, who was a second-round pick in 2016, has been named to two Pro Bowls and one All-Pro first team in five NFL seasons.
He has led the NFL in interceptions in two of the past three seasons, including 2020 when he recorded a career-high 10 picks. Howard also set a new career mark with 20 passes defended and made 51 tackles as well.
Howard was named a first-team All-Pro for his efforts, bolstering his claim that he deserves a new or reworked deal.
Since Howard entered the NFL in 2016, only Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marcus Peters has more interceptions than Howard's 22, with 23.
Considering the Dolphins fell just short of reaching the playoffs last season with a 10-6 record, they can ill afford to lose such a key piece.
If the Dolphins do decide to trade Howard, Byron Jones would become the clear No. 1 corner, while veteran Jason McCourty and 2020 first-round pick Noah Igbinoghene would be asked to step up.
Howard is still a member of the Dolphins for now, but with no resolution to the contract situation in sight, he may not be long for the organization.
Xavien Howard Trade Rumors: 2 Playoff Teams Have Inquired About Dolphins Star CB
Jul 28, 2021
Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard prepares to warm up during NFL football practice, Wednesday, July 28, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Several teams, including two playoff teams, reportedly contacted the Miami Dolphins regarding a trade for cornerback Xavien Howard.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the news but did not identify the interested parties. Howard released a statement Tuesday, publicly requesting a trade amid failed contract extension negotiations.
"I don't feel the organization has dealt with me in good faith," Howard wrote in the statement. "I don't feel valued or respected by the Dolphins. Just like they can take a business-first approach, so can I. That's why I want to make it clear I'm not happy, and have requested a trade."
Howard has been one of the NFL's best cornerbacks since being selected in the second round of the 2016 draft. He's led the league in interceptions in two of the last three seasons, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro berths in both campaigns. Pro Football Focus gave him an 87.3 overall grade for the 2020 season.
The Dolphins signed Howard to a five-year, $75.3 million contract in May 2019. The deal offered just $27.2 million in full guarantees at signing, and the Dolphins essentially have Howard on a year-to-year contract beginning in 2022.
Miami could save $11.6 million by trading or releasing Howard ahead of next season, essentially putting his financial future in the team's hands. His average per-year salary ranks sixth among cornerbacks, so the dispute is very likely about creating more guarantees for Howard moving forward.
Howard also noted that he is the second-highest paid cornerback on the team despite getting the more difficult assignments.
"Until that trade happens, I am just here so I don't get fined and will handle myself like professionals do," Howard said. "I've played on my deal for two seasons and didn't complain, but everyone knows I've significantly outperformed that deal."
Dolphins' Xavien Howard Announces He's Requesting Trade After Failed Contract Talks
Jul 28, 2021
Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard (25) reacts after preventing a Las Vegas Raiders touchdown during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)
Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard has requested a trade, saying the Fins haven't dealt with him in "good faith" regarding his desire to restructure his contract.
ESPN's Adam Schefter relayed Howard's Instagram message via Twitter on Tuesday:
The Dolphins and Howard agreed to a five-year, $75.25 million extension in May 2019, but he's outperformed that deal.
Howard is arguably the NFL's best cornerback. He landed on Pro Football Focus' All-Pro team for the 2020 season, and PFF's Sam Monson wrote the following on the 28-year-old's season:
Xavien Howard finished with a league-leading interception total of 10 picks, but it was his down-to-down coverage that was truly more impressive this season. Howard allowed 52.2% of passes thrown into his coverage to be caught for a passer rating of 53.0. He also had eight games this season in which he allowed 30 or fewer receiving yards, including three in which he didn't allow any yards at all. Howard has always had the big-play ability to generate turnovers, but this season he seemingly put it all together and was the second-highest-graded cornerback in football.
The $15,050,000 average annual value on Howard's contract ranks sixth among NFL cornerbacks, per Over the Cap. The Los Angeles Rams' Jalen Ramsey ranks first at $20 million.
Howard isn't even the highest-paid cornerback on his own team, with teammate Byron Jones inking a five-year, $82.5 million contract last offseason.
Howard notably held out during the offseason, skipping voluntary workouts and the team's mandatory minicamp.
However, Howard now appears ready to move on from the Dolphins after five seasons in Miami.
Miami selected Howard with the 38th overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft. He's amassed 55 pass deflections and 22 interceptions during his five-year career, which includes two Pro Bowl nods and First Team All-Pro recognition in 2020.
He led the NFL in interceptions in 2018 and 2020.
ESPN: 'Strong Sense' Texans Move on from Deshaun Watson; Xavien Howard Trade Linked
Jul 25, 2021
ARCHIVO - En esta fotografía de archivo del 3 de enero de 2021, el quarterback de los Texans de Houston, Deshaun Watson, se retira de la cancha antes del partido de la NFL contra los Titans de Tennessee en Houston. (AP Foto/Eric Christian Smith, Archivo)
There is reportedly a "strong sense" within the NFL that the Houston Texans intend to move on from quarterback Deshaun Watson.
During an appearance on SportsCenter on Sunday, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler said a source close to Watson believes a trade will happen "sooner or later" provided his legal situation gets resolved. Watson is facing 22 civil lawsuits that allege sexual assault and misconduct while receiving massages.
Fowler added that the Texans have been linked to Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard, who is unhappy with his contract. That could make a Watson-for-Howard trade a possibility, although Fowler noted the Dolphins have given no indication they plan to pursue Watson.
Watson's status for the 2021 season is uncertain for multiple reasons, including the possibility of him getting suspended by the NFL. Also, before the lawsuits were filed, it was reported that Watson was unhappy in Houston and had requested a trade.
The 25-year-old Watson has been among the NFL's best quarterbacks since entering the league in 2017. He is a three-time Pro Bowler with a career regular-season record of 28-25 and two playoff appearances.
In 54 career regular-season games, Watson has completed 67.8 percent of his passes for 14,539 yards, 104 touchdowns and 36 interceptions while also rushing for 1,677 yards and 17 scores.
Last season, the Texans struggled to a 4-12 mark, but Watson put up big numbers, completing 70.2 percent of his attempts for a league-leading 4,823 yards. He also threw for 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions while rushing for 444 yards and three touchdowns.
The Dolphins have 2020 first-round pick Tua Tagovailoa under center, though Watson would represent an obvious upgrade.
The 28-year-old Howard, meanwhile, is preparing to enter his sixth season and is holding out for a better contract. He signed a five-year, $76.5 million extension in 2019.
Howard is coming off his best season, as he led the NFL with 10 interceptions and 20 passes defended in 2021, earning him his second career Pro Bowl nod and first selection to the All-Pro First Team.
Howard has led the NFL in interceptions twice in the past three seasons, and he has 22 picks to his credit in 56 career regular-season games.
The addition of Howard would give the Texans a dynamic cornerback tandem with Bradley Roby already on the roster, although it remains unclear if the Dolphins have any intention of parting ways with Howard.
As for Watson, the Texans are seemingly preparing to be without him in 2021, leaving Tyrod Taylor, Jeff Driskel and rookie third-round pick Davis Mills to battle it out for quarterback snaps.
Report: Dolphins Would Consider Deshaun Watson Trade If Legal Situation Is Resolved
Jul 19, 2021
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) looks to pass during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
The Miami Dolphins would reportedly consider trading for Deshaun Watson if the Houston Texans quarterback's ongoing sexual assault lawsuits are settled during the 2021 season.
Adam H. Beasley of Pro Football Network reported the Dolphins have "lingering questions" about Tua Tagovailoa's ability to be a franchise quarterback and would consider an upgrade.
Watson requested a trade from the Texans earlier this offseason before he was the subject of 22 lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct and assault. It is unclear whether those civil suits will be resolved before the start of the 2021 season, and several accusers have spoken to Houston police.
The NFL would likely place Watson on the Commissioner's Exempt List if the situation is not resolved by the start of the season. Watson would receive a salary but be barred from team activities if the league goes that route.
A three-time Pro Bowler, Watson led the NFL in passing last season (4,823 yards) and would under typical circumstances command a franchise-changing haul in trade talks. Even if Watson were to settle with his accusers and not face NFL punishment, there will likely be some teams that refuse to acquire him. There will likewise be a significant segment of a team's fanbase that will struggle to embrace Watson.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported the Texans are "slowly moving on" from Watson regardless of his status. The team signed Tyrod Taylor and drafted Davis Mills this offseason, signs they do not envision Watson being under center for Week 1—even if he's still on the roster.
Tagovailoa, the fifth pick of the 2020 NFL draft, had an up-and-down rookie campaign as he attempted to bounce back from a leg injury that ended his career at Alabama. He threw for 1,814 yards and 11 touchdowns against five interceptions while adding 109 yards and three scores on the ground in 10 games.
Those numbers would be impressive for a typical rookie, but the Dolphins replaced Tagovailoa mid-game on multiple occasions in favor of veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick. His performance also did not fare well in comparison to fellow rookie quarterbacks Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow.
Top Potential NFL Trade Packages, Landing Spots for Dolphins CB Xavien Howard
Jul 16, 2021
Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard (25) points and runs with the ball after intercepting a pass from Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (not shown) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Howard leads the NFL this season with seven interceptions, and his shutdown skills have helped the Dolphins flummox foes with a blitz-happy scheme. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)
The standoff between All-Pro cornerback Xavien Howard and the Miami Dolphins is close to a breaking point.
NFL Network's Michael Silver reported "a lot of trade chatter" surrounds the 28-year-old defensive back. The Dolphins prefer a first-round pick in return. Silver added several teams are "pondering such a move."
Issues stem from Howard's current compensation, which he feels doesn't accurately reflect his level of play after he led the NFL last season with 10 interceptions.
Howard owns the fourth-richest cornerback contract based on maximum earning potential ($75.25 million). But his compensation this fall ranks 12th at $12.1 million despite the fact that he signed the deal just two years ago.
Because of his dissatisfaction, the five-year veteran didn't attend the Dolphins' mandatory minicamp and became a holdout.
"It's pretty clear this is a contract situation, which we've talked about internally," head coach Brian Flores told reporters last month. "X is a little bit of a unique situation. He was extended and now we're talking about a potential renegotiation after one year. Those turn into longer conversations. We understand that. We've obviously had a lot of talks and conversations about that and we'll continue to have those and keep them internal, but it's a very unique conversation."
The situation is unique because the Dolphins extended Howard and then signed Byron Jones to a bigger free-agent contract less than a year later. This season, Jones will have a greater salary-cap hit ($16.1 million) and more cash earnings ($14 million) than Howard.
"Xavien Howard remains adamant about getting more money," the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson reported. "The fact others have received new deals has made him even more dug in. If he doesn't get a new deal with more money, this could stretch well into August."
Howard hasn't just been surpassed by his own teammate on the pay scale; the Los Angeles Rams' Jalen Ramsey and Baltimore Ravens' Marlon Humphrey leaped ahead as well. They're viewed as the NFL's top two corners, according to league insiders polled by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. But Howard is right behind both and deserving of being recognized as such.
"Instincts. Plays a lot closer on you than most, and if people test him and force him, he knows how to get his head around and finish the catch," an NFC personnel evaluator told Fowler. "He breaks so well that he cuts the route."
Howard placed third in the rankings from more than 50 league executives, coaches, scouts and players. The perception around the league is exactly why suitors are seriously contemplating flipping a first-round draft pick (or equivalent) for his services.
The cornerback carries a $12.1 million base salary if traded, though the next franchise would have to negotiate a new deal with him. His actual salary-cap hit would depend on how the agreement is structured. Howard certainly seems open to the idea of playing for a new squad, with four leaping to the forefront as possibilities.
The Dolphins may have to get a little creative since they won't trade him in the division and likely won't garner much interest from teams with possible high first-round selections next spring.
New Orleans Saints
How the Saints are able to stay under the cap is fascinating, and it's why you shouldn't rule them out despite Howard's salary demands.
The team's vice president of football administration, Khai Harley, almost assuredly has a plan to take on Howard and rework his deal. Harley has seemingly worked miracles in the past. The Saints possess $11.4 million in available salary-cap space, so they wouldn't necessarily need a ton of cap gymnastics to pull this off. Harley explained his process to The Athletic's Katherine Terrell:
“You want to put your club in the best position possible, and you want to able to, when, the GM and the coach say, hey, we want to do XYZ, you want to figure out how to do it. It's not, 'no we can't' … you can have your opinion, but at the end of the day, it's going to be Mickey [Loomis] and Sean [Payton's] decision. So when they say, 'Hey, full steam ahead, let's do it', then it's like, 'OK let's figure out how to do it', and then I will explain, 'Here are the pros and cons of doing it this way vs. doing it another way.' But I think flexibility and being able to move when you want to move, being able to acquire guys when you want to acquire guys, I think that's at the forefront. And it's just a knowledge base of figuring out the 'how'."
The how will likely be based on reworking Howard's contract by converting his base salary into a new signing bonus and stretching it out over the course of the deal.
New Orleans' need for a cornerback upgrade is obvious, and that's the biggest reason it may be the only team willing to surrender a first-round pick for his services. Outside of Marshon Lattimore, who is a free agent after the upcoming season, the Saints are expected to rely on Patrick Robinson, P.J. Williams, Grant Haley, C.J. Gardner-Johnson and third-round rookie Paulson Adebo.
Drew Brees no longer leads the Saints, but the franchise won't call it a day simply because Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill will be behind center. New Orleans is the reigning NFC South champion. The Saints have a weakness at a premium position they can address. Find a way to make it happen, Harley.
Trade Package: Saints trade a 2022 first-round draft pick to the Dolphins for Howard.
Philadelphia Eagles
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 20: Tight end Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs with the football after a reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals d
The Eagles have the third-lowest amount of available salary-cap space of any squad. But they are a realistic landing spot because they have extra 2022 draft capital.
Along with three potential first-round picks, the Eagles have all of their original draft picks, plus an extra fifth from the Washington Football Team. Questions abound regarding how new head coach Nick Sirianni will perform, which might make their second-round pick more enticing to the Dolphins.
First, general manager Howie Roseman must make the financials work. Like the Saints, a restructured deal could provide some relief. However, the Eagles need more than a few million shifted around to complete this trade.
Philadelphia has a bona fide trade chip in tight end Zach Ertz, who is still considered a top-10 tight end despite last year's injury-plagued campaign.
"He's probably tired of the bullcrap in Philly," a veteran NFL offensive player told Fowler. "With a fresh start, he'll still be great."
Ertz's inclusion would save the Eagles $8.5 million. They'd still have to make corresponding cap-saving moves, but at least trading Ertz would help offset a large portion of Howard's contract.
Mike Gesicki continues to improve as the Dolphins' starting tight end. The position isn't an immediate need. But the possibility of adding a valuable draft asset and another weapon for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa shouldn't be dismissed.
Trade Package: The Eagles trade a 2022 second-round draft pick and tight end Zach Ertz to the Dolphins for Howard.
Arizona Cardinals
TEMPE, ARIZONA - JUNE 02: Cornerbacks Byron Murphy Jr. #7 and Malcolm Butler #21 of the Arizona Cardinals participate in an off-season workout at Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center on June 02, 2021 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Pete
The Cardinals showed they're willing to bolster the roster by acquiring older veterans. J.J. Watt and A.J. Green are excellent additions on both sides of the ball, as long as they're healthy.
Arizona wants to position itself as a legitimate contender in the NFC West. The franchise has the talent at most spots to push its division rivals. However, cornerback remains somewhat of a mess.
Malcolm Butler was a solid free-agent signing, but he's 31 years old. Byron Murphy Jr. is at his best working over the slot. Robert Alford hasn't played in a game since the 2018 campaign due to injuries. Darqueze Dennard didn't play particularly well for the Atlanta Falcons last year as he dealt with a hamstring injury. Besides, he's better at covering inside receivers. Rookies Marco Wilson and Tay Gowan will be thrown into the mix as well.
Howard's inclusion would change the complexion of the Arizona defense.
The Cardinals are sitting in the same salary-cap range as the Saints. In this case, Arizona could include Jordan Hicks as part of the package since the team already allowed the linebacker's representation to seek a trade, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. First-round selections Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins will be the Cardinals' off-ball linebackers moving forward, even though Hicks tied for the team lead with 118 total tackles last season.
In fact, Hicks has amassed 359 stops over the last three seasons.
Benardrick McKinney's acquisition from the Houston Texans made linebacker less of a problem area in Miami. But the veteran's salary-cap hit escalates to $9.5 million next season with no guaranteed money left on the contract. The Dolphins could create excellent depth while simultaneously preparing for future attrition along their second line of defense.
Trade Package: The Cardinals trade 2022 second- and fifth-round draft picks and linebacker Jordan Hicks to the Dolphins for Howard.
Cleveland Browns
BEREA, OH - JUNE 16: Cornerback Greedy Williams #26 of the Cleveland Browns runs a drill during a mini camp at the Cleveland Browns training facility on June 16, 2021 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
The Dolphins probably prefer to keep Howard out of the AFC as they attempt to make the playoffs for the first time under Flores' direction.
As such, the Browns aren't the optimal trade partner. However, Cleveland presents a unique opportunity based on what it did this offseason.
The Browns spent much of last season in Cover 4 because they didn't have the defensive backs capable of playing more aggressive schemes. Injuries and a lack of depth played significant roles in their bend-and-eventually-break pass defense.
"Last year, there was a whole lot of things you can say, but we have the mindset of no excuses and no explanations," defensive coordinator Joe Woods told reporters. "... Just based on practice time and players available, there were certain things that we were not able to get to, but now moving forward, we have already started the process in the offseason of installing some new defensive packages and some new cover schemes, just so we can dictate the tempo a little bit more."
With the additions of safety John Johnson III, nickel corner Troy Hill and first-round rookie Greg Newsome II—along with Grant Delpit's and Greedy Williams' returns from season-long injuries—the Browns secondary went from porous to fortified. Thanks to improved depth, a deal could be struck.
As much as the Browns added, the cornerback spot opposite Denzel Ward isn't settled. Yes, Newsome should eventually take over the role, but he doesn't need to be rushed. Williams, meanwhile, is coming back from nerve damage in his right shoulder. Howard would immediately step into the starting lineup as Ward's bookend and give the Browns the league's best pair of man-cover corners.
Williams could entice the Dolphins. Injury aside, the 2019 second-round draft pick is only 23. He presents starting potential to replace Howard.
Plus, the Browns own the league's fourth-most salary-cap space at $20.6 million. Granted the team must decide on contract extensions for Ward, quarterback Baker Mayfield, running back Nick Chubb, guard Wyatt Teller and safety Ronnie Harrison Jr. Howard plays a premium position in a pass-first league, though. His value is greater than that of Teller, Harrison and possibly even Chubb depending on how the Browns internally view the running back position.
A quartet of Howard, Ward, Hill and Newsome would elevate the Browns defense beyond anything general manager Andrew Berry could have envisioned.
Trade Package: The Browns trade 2022 second- and fourth-round draft picks and cornerback Greedy Williams to the Dolphins for Howard.
Salary-cap info via Over the Cap. Brent Sobleski covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter, @brentsobleski.
