The Miami Dolphins are set up for a potential playoff run as they hope to knock the Buffalo Bills from the top of the AFC East. However, this offseason Xavien Howard has requested a trade from the organization, as he's been wanting to renegotiate his current contract. There hasn't been any noise in the rumor mill regarding trade interest in Howard, putting the Dolphins in a tough spot.
However, the Dolphins head coach Brian Flores commented on Xavien Howard's trade request. According to Cameron Wolfe, Flores is open to keeping Howard on the roster, going as far as saying, “we don't want to trade X.” Howard is one of the best cornerbacks in the league, and keeping him would allow the Dolphins to retain an elite secondary on the defense.
Brian Flores on Xavien Howard: "We don't want to trade X. Write that down. He's a very good player. He's a big part of the team. We don't want to trade him."
X requested a trade last week as he wants to be rewarded with slight contract adjustment after his 10-INT season in 2020.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) August 6, 2021
Even so, trading Xavien Howard away would bring this franchise a big haul, as they could reel in another load of future draft picks. Miami is stacked with talent and poised for a deep playoff run. For that reason, it'd be in the Dolphins' best interest to keep Howard on the roster. He is likely to maintain consistency as a lockdown cornerback for the Dolphins once again.
To keep him though, Brian Flores and the front office will have to smooth over the relationship. Xavien Howard has been vocal about re-negotiating his contract, but the franchise hasn't budged. If what Flores says is true, then the Dolphins should consider working a new deal with their star cornerback. Howard is already one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league, so giving him more guaranteed money might do the trick.
We'll see how it plays out though, as other franchises will be eager to acquire Xavien Howard. With Flores claiming the Dolphins want Howard on the team and have no interest in trading him, it's no wonder a trade hasn't come to fruition. Keep an eye on this situation, as either the Dolphins or Xavien Howard could give in soon.
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