The Miami Dolphins, with a talented corps of players led by Head Coach Brian Flores, are hopeful of making a push toward an AFC East championship this season, but early in training camp, the waters aren’t quite smooth in south Florida, with All-Pro cornerback Xavien Howard reporting to camp, but requesting a trade, saying that he reported “only to avoid being fined”, and adding that he feels disrespect with a five-year, $75.25 million contract extension he signed in 2019.
Howard had a breakthrough 2020 season, with 10 interceptions, the first time in 13 years a National Football League player had recorded double-digit picks. Perhaps the biggest issue with Howard is that Byron Jones, who starts opposite Howard at corner, makes more coin, with five years and $82.5 million. Saying he has not asked for a completely new contract, Howard is claiming that he has made salary cap-friendly proposals that involve more guaranteed money through the Dolphins’ front office.
Miami, a struggling franchise since the retirement of Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino two decades ago, made a push at the AFC playoffs last season, falling one win short. The Dolphins are hoping to rip away the AFC East title from Buffalo in 2021.