CB Xavien Howard asks Dolphins to trade him

Miami Dolphins All-Pro cornerback Xavien Howard has formally requested a trade. The 2020 All-Pro posted comments to his Instagram stating that he has asked the team to deal him.

Howard was named first-team All-Pro last season and was second-team All-Pro in 2018, earning Pro Bowl nods in both years. He also led the league in interceptions in both seasons.

The Dolphins drafted Howard in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He was eligible for a contract extension following the 2018 season, and in May 2019 he signed a five year, $75.25 million extension with the Dolphins. In his IG post, Howard stated that he has outplayed that deal and openly admitted “I didn’t completely understand, or feel comfortable with” the extension.

Howard said he was hoping to work things out with the Dolphins, but they rejected all offers his team made. He does not believe the organization dealt with him in good faith and the lack of respect has him not happy and ready to move on.

He is not holding out, however. Howard would face daily $50,000 fines for skipping training camp and so he said, “I am just here so I don’t get fined, and will handle myself like professionals do.”