Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard wasn’t on hand for the early portion of Tuesday’s mandatory minicamp (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Cameron Wolfe). Meanwhile, head coach Brian Flores told reporters that he’s not sure if Howard will show up at any point during minicamp. If he continues to keep his distance, the Dolphins can fine him ~$93K for each of the three days he’s absent. 
Howard wants a new or revised deal, but he still has four years left on his five-year, $76MM extension. This year, he’s slated to make $12.1MM in base salary with a $13.5MM cap hit. In terms of earnings for this year, that puts him fifth at the position behind Stephon Gilmore, teammate Byron Jones, Trae Waynes, and Joe Haden. Howard may be particularly irked about being stationed behind Jones in ’21 compensation.
The Dolphins signed veteran cornerback Jason McCourty in May, which could provide insurance in the event of a standoff. Of course, the 33-year-old wouldn’t be a one-for-one replacement. Last year, Pro Football Focus placed McCourty of the top 75 at CB. Meanwhile, Howard was a first-team All-Pro in 2020 and a candidate for the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award.
Howard, 28 in July, pushed the Dolphins to trade him last year. The Dolphins obliged to some extent, but scared clubs off with a “Laremy Tunsil type” asking price.
“Howard wants a new or revised deal, but he still has four years left on his five-year, $76MM extension.”
Why in the world would they give him a new contract? Maybe Mahomes should demand a new contract as well…
BBC
While that does sound crazy, only $27.2 million was guaranteed. If he gets hurt this year, he’s cut and doesn’t come close to that giant total that seems to infuriate common people.
Remember, owners can delete contracts immediately and only have to pay the negotiated guarantees. A contract doesn’t mean what you think it does.
Technically correct –
Why did he sign his name to it then? I think these guys some of these guys aren’t thinking very clearly when they put pen to paper. Apparently not a real bright fella. If he’s whining like a baby in year 1 of a 5 year deal, I’m sorry but I have no respect or pity for the man. It’s disgusting and it’s pathetic. The NFL seriously needs to stiffen the penalties and consequences of doing this kind of garbage…it’s getting way out of control and it’s not going to improve if they don’t
Worked for Hopkins….
I’d tell him to sit and get fined. If money is that important, then he’ll show up at some point.
They just gave him a deal?
While I don’t like the concept of hold-outs, in general, and people should honor their commitments; in the NFL, owners have almost all the leverage and the hard cap means no loyalty to players.
Also, careers in football are really short and players need to maximize their earnings while they can.
I hope this situation can be resolved quickly because the team doesn’t need the distraction.
If they are good, owners get a major discount on what they should be paying a player.
If they are bad, then they don’t justify the contract and get cut.
I also hate the concept of holdouts, but the deck is stacked heavily against the players. It’s weird so many people side with ownership because of the cap implications of fair wages.
We don’t side with the owners because of the cap, its more that we don’t see the numbers they make!
‘but he still has four years left on his five-year, $76MM extension. This year, he’s slated to make $12.1MM in base salary with a $13.5MM cap hit.’
This is seen as a ‘greedy player’. But what did ownership make last year, even in a depressed year (earnings wise)?
I won’t see $12m in my life, let alone 1 year, which is why we– fans– can complain about pro athletes.
These are the holdouts that should be scrutinize. Absolutely ridiculous this early into an extension.
Why can’t players honor there contracts….. especially with four years remaining….. He won’t see that contact again…..