The Miami Dolphins had significant reason for concern at the end of July.
Their best defender, and quite frankly, possibly their best player, publicly requested a trade out of Miami, putting the heightened goals for the team in serious jeopardy.
However, somewhat surprisingly, the Dolphins and All-Pro cornerback Xavien Howard were able to mend a frayed relationship this weekend.
The franchise has added an additional $3.5 million in incentives, and decided to fully guarantee his salary for 2021 and 2022.
As an additional goodwill gesture, the Dolphins also forgave around $93K in fines levied to Howard for sitting out minicamp.
This outcome certainly did not seem likely after Howard took to Instagram to air out his grievances with the Miami front office in detail.
However, this resolution is a big win for both the star cornerback and the franchise, and it could pay dividends on and off the field in 2021.
Why It’s Best For Howard
At the end of the day, Howard didn’t quite get what he wanted, but he at least got something.
The Dolphins certainly did not have to acquiesce to Howard’s trade or contract demands, since he just signed an extension two years ago that made him the highest paid cornerback in the game.
Even still, he immediately gets more security financially, and has a chance to earn a salary competitive with fellow cornerback teammate Byron Jones.
Howard’s Instagram post alluded to the notion that he’s produced way more than Jones, and got paid less.
The agreement also works in Howard’s favor from the standpoint of preparing for the 2021 season.
If Miami did end up trading him, he would’ve had to learn a new defensive system on the fly with another team.
The former Baylor prospect certainly has the talent to contribute anywhere in the league, but the transaction he demanded could’ve put him behind the eight ball this year.
The way it worked out might actually be a blessing in disguise for the player.
❌❌ @Iamxavienhoward pic.twitter.com/eOJK0gS8Cu
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) August 8, 2021
Why It’s Best For The Dolphins
This worked out brilliantly for the Dolphins.
The team gave up some additional money to Howard (who quite frankly deserves it), but did not bend over backwards.
The added incentives will give Howard a chance to earn his way into the top five at his position, without caving in and drawing up a new contract that would once again reset the cornerback market.
Simply put, Miami could not afford to lose his services this year given the makeup of their team.
Dolphins fans are hopeful that the offense can take a step forward under second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, but that improvement is anything from a given.
Miami will continue to rely on its defense to keep them in, and possibly, win games.
Howard is an extremely important piece to that puzzle, as he provides an elite level of anticipation and playmaking ability from the secondary.
EROWE making plays out at practice. 💪@TheEricRowe pic.twitter.com/X11Cl2Blax
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) August 8, 2021
The team came within a whisker of making the playoffs in 2020, and will need all the help they can get to qualify for the postseason in 2021.
NEXT: Do Miami Dolphins Now Owe Xavien Howard A Trade?