Report: Miami Dolphins to release CB Xavien Howard
The Miami Dolphins are reportedly planning to release veteran cornerback Xavien Howard at the start of the new league year, according to NFL insider Mike Garafolo. The team reportedly informed Howard about the upcoming move, giving the former second-rounder plenty of time to gear up for free agency.
Missing four games during the 2023 season, the Baylor standout had 45 tackles this season with one interception. This year, he faced groin and foot injuries. Over eight seasons in the NFL, all with Miami, Howard has racked up 29 interceptions, including a career-high of 10 in 2020.
In May of 2019, the cornerback signed a five-year deal for $75.25 million. The team then restructured the deal in 2022, adjusting the contract to a five-year deal for $90 million. His dead cap value for the 2024 season would be $23,105,281, which is amongst the Dolphins’ five largest on the roster.
Howard’s contract included a potential out for the team at the 2024 mark. By going down as a post-June 1 release, he’ll account for dead cap hits for 2024 of $7.4 million and $15.7 million in 2025.
The Houston, Texas native earned four Pro Bowl nominations during his time with the Dolphins. He also made first-team All-Pro once (2020) and second-team All-Pro once (2018).
The Miami Dolphins drafted Howard with the No. 38 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. They scooped him up out of Baylor after he earned first-team All-Big 12 honors as a junior.
More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency
The NFL 2024 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially run out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who are will become unrestricted free agents.
In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. Following the restricted free agent deadline follows the 2024 NFL Draft, which runs from April 25-27.