The Miami Dolphins have denied rumors that the team is looking to trade cornerback Xavien Howard. The statement from the team comes in response to a report from Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
“The report in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel is factually inaccurate and based on rumors,” the Dolphins said. “The paper practiced poor journalism by not reaching out to the team for comment or the chance to respond prior to publishing the story. We are not exploring any trades regarding Xavien Howard.”
On Tuesday morning, Kelly reported that a league source said the Dolphins “already have an offer on the table for Xavien Howard, and are seriously considering moving the 27-year-old before the NFL trade deadline…”
The Miami Dolphins say on the record they are not exploring any trades for Xavien Howard
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) October 27, 2020
Howard was at the center of trade rumors in the offseason, as the Dolphins elected to make Byron Jones the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL at the time, and draft cornerback Noah Igbinoghene in the first round. Howard also had some off-the-field issues and a knee surgery within the last year.
The Dolphins chose to keep Howard, who is now having a terrific season. Howard is once again, the NFL leader in interceptions with four, having one in each of the last four games.
Since Byron Jones returned from the groin injury in Week 5, he and Xavien Howard have been targeted a combined 22 times. The result: 6 rec, 69 yards, 2 INTs and 3 PBUs, per PFF. That’s a 27.3 completion %, 3.1 yards per target and an opposing passer rating of 2.7.
— Travis Wingfield (@WingfieldNFL) October 27, 2020
Though the Dolphins have publicly denied that they are shopping Howard, the NFL can be a tricky business. Dolphins coach Brian Flores said last year there was “no trade in place,” in regards to left tackle Laremy Tunsil, only for the team to trade him shortly after. Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury famously said, “Josh Rosen is our guy,” before trading Rosen to the Dolphins and drafting Kyler Murray with the first overall pick.
If a team decides to acquire Howard from the Dolphins, they will have to inherit his $12 million salary for the 2021 season. Howard has an “out” in his contract after the 2021 season, which could make him appealing to a team that needs the immediate help this season.
The Cleveland Browns, who are still in the hunt at 5-2, are one team that could benefit from acquiring Xavien Howard. They are currently 30th in the NFL in receiving yards allowed per game.
Other teams that could be interested in a talented player like Howard include the Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints.
The Kansas City Chiefs have been mentioned heavily in the past in regards to Xavien Howard, with the Arrowhead Addict’s Jordan Mannix saying “the trade idea has been talked about ad nauseum…” but the Chiefs current salary cap issues would make this incredibly difficult.
As for the Dolphins, they are still very much in the race to win the AFC East at 3-3, trailing the Bills by only two games. Howard has been one of the few bright spots on a defense that has been diced up by the Patriots, Bills and Seahawks this season. With Igbinoghene still struggling, trading Howard could be a move that sets the team back drastically this season.
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