Dolphins agree to restructure Xavien Howard contract

The Miami Dolphins have agreed to restructure cornerback Xavien Howard’s contract, according to multiple reports. The two-time Pro Bowler requested a trade when he reported to training camp but recently expressed interest in resolving things with Miami.

The #Dolphins have agreed to restructure CB Xavien Howard’s contract, source says. The situation has been resolved. He’s staying in Miami.

It’s believed to be the first time in NFL history a player with four years left on his deal has received added money and guarantees.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 8, 2021

Restructured deal

The new 2021 terms include a jump from $12.075 million in guaranteed money to $12.785 million and add incentives which could bring the total payout to $16.285 million. Howard’s 2022 salary has also been fully guaranteed against injury in the restructured contract and will become fully guaranteed on the first day of the next league year.

“I was just happy about the whole situation,” said Howard. “I’m just happy to be here and compete with the team… It feels great to be out here with my team, getting better. We got the deal done so it feels great to be out here.”

Howard went No. 38 overall by the Miami Dolphins in 2016 and made the 2020 All-Pro team. He has 191 career tackles with 22 interceptions and 55 pass deflections in 55 career starts.

He signed a five-year, $75.25 million contract in 2019 and will not become a free agent until 2025. The restructured agreement includes assurances from the team that the two parties can revisit the terms next year based on Howard’s health and performance in 2021.

Howard is coming off career-highs in tackles (51), interceptions (10) and pass deflections (20). He is currently working to come back from an ankle injury which held him out for most of training camp.

2021 outlook

The Dolphins enter the 2021 season with high hopes following a 10-6 record last season. Miami’s defense ranked No. 1 in turnover percentage and total takeaways with 29. Despite finishing No. 20 in yards against, the Dolphins were No. 4 in scoring percentage against at 30.7%.

Miami added depth to the unit by drafting Oregon defensive back Jevon Holland and signing free agent cornerback Justin Coleman to a one-year deal. Defensive tackle Malcolm Brown and linebacker Vince Biegel also join the team.

The team’s offense will lean on second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with a new core of wide receivers which includes returners DeVante Parker and Albert Wilson, along with rookie Jaylen Waddle and free agent Will Fuller V.

Miami will look to overtake the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East after their 13-3 season while holding off a reloaded New England Patriots team that made big acquisitions this offseason.

Image courtesy of Mark Brown/Getty Images