The Miami Dolphins had some success in 2023 by winning 11 regular-season games, but they were quickly dismissed in the Wild Card round of the playoffs by the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Many called them a fraudulent team, and now they could look considerably different when the 2024 season kicks off.
Star cornerback Xavien Howard is about to be cut by Miami, and he said the “door is closed” on him possibly returning, even though GM Chris Grier suggested Miami could possibly bring him back, per Around the NFL.
Cornerback Xavien Howard says "door is closed" on return to Dolphinshttps://t.co/UXM6nsYZO5 pic.twitter.com/PkD0ajUHlw
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) March 8, 2024
A second-round draft choice in 2016, Howard earned his first of four Pro Bowl appearances in 2018, and he has led the NFL in interceptions twice and in passes defended once.
He has seen his production dip somewhat over the past two years, and at age 30 (he will turn 31 in early July), perhaps he’s headed toward the downside of his career.
Had the Dolphins decided to not cut Howard, they would’ve owed him eight figures a year over the next three seasons, and they would’ve had a cap hit of nearly $26 million for the 2024 campaign, per spotrac.com.
There are surely going to be multiple suitors for Howard once free agency opens up next week, especially given his individual accomplishments, ability, and experience.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins will have the task of cleaning up a defense that ranked 22nd in points allowed and 25th in passing touchdowns given up during the 2023 season.
They could use more pressure up front, especially since linebacker Bradley Chubb will be out for some time after tearing his ACL on New Year’s Eve versus the Baltimore Ravens.
NEXT: Tyreek Hill Sends Clear Message To Dolphins Fans