Because the Miami Dolphins proceed to cross gadgets off their offseason guidelines, what was probably the highest-priority merchandise was dealt with on Friday evening.
Star cornerback Xavien Howard and the Dolphins agreed to phrases on a record-setting contract extension.
Howard’s new five-year deal consists of $50,691,177 in new cash, in response to Howard’s agent, David Canter, who added that his consumer’s new common per yr is $25,345,588.
Howard’s yearly common and assured cash is the very best for a cornerback in NFL historical past. He additionally makes probably the most money amongst NFL cornerbacks over the subsequent three years.
In line with Canter, Howard turns into the primary cornerback to have 5 years of his enjoying profession absolutely assured, and he's the primary NFL participant to have his contract restructured with 4 years and three years remaining on the deal, after additionally reaching a restructure final coaching camp when he initially requested a commerce.
Dolphins common supervisor Chris Grier mentioned on Monday, when talking from NFL conferences at The Breakers in Palm Seaside, that the group was closing in on a decision with the ballhawk cornerback.
Howard is a three-time Professional Bowl choice and likewise has one first-team All-Professional choice in his six seasons with the Dolphins. He has collected 27 profession interceptions in that span.
“Xavien has carried out a number of good issues right here for this group,” Grier mentioned. “I’ve identified him for years. I used to be right here once we drafted him. He was my second draft decide right here. I’m wanting ahead to him being right here and serving to us win.”
Howard led the NFL in interceptions in 2020 (10) and 2018 (seven). Over the previous two seasons, Howard has pressured 17 turnovers — 15 interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Final season, he scored two defensive touchdowns.
Beneath his earlier contract phrases, fellow cornerback Byron Jones was out-earning Howard regardless of Howard creating 15 extra takeaways for Miami’s protection within the two seasons they’ve performed collectively.
The Dolphins have been huge spenders this offseason as Grier has taken an aggressive method after years of rebuilding by means of the draft.
They gave up their prime two picks within the upcoming draft to commerce for fast Kansas Metropolis Chiefs huge receiver Tyreek Hill, then giving him a a four-year, $120 million extension that features $72.2 million assured, making him the NFL’s highest-paid receiver by annual wage.
The Dolphins addressed their offensive deal with want by signing prized free agent Terron Armstead to a five-year, $75 million deal.
Standout defensive finish Emmanuel Ogbah obtained a four-year, $65 million contract earlier than he entered free company, and the Dolphins positioned the franchise tag on tight finish Mike Gesicki.
Howard’s contract issues remained this offseason after he obtained an preliminary restructure in August forward of the 2021 season. That deal solely appeased what Howard wished for final season, including incentives that have been largely hit by Howard.
The impression Howard and Jones have on the Dolphins protection underneath coordinator Josh Boyer is immense. They're typically referred to as upon to cowl receivers 1-on-1 in man protection, which frees up the Dolphins to have the ability to blitz additional defenders like they typically do with their safeties. Nik Needham, who had a second-round tender positioned on him as he was set for restricted free company this offseason, is also crucial within the workforce’s cornerback play, and the Dolphins have 2020 first-round decide Noah Igbinoghene amongst cornerbacks on the roster.
Howard had his 2019 season minimize brief after 5 video games on account of a patella sprain in his knee that required surgical procedure. He additionally missed 4 video games in 2018. Since, Howard performed 16 video games in every of the previous two seasons, serving to erase sturdiness issues that popped up earlier in his profession.
Howard was a second-round decide, No. 38 total, for the Dolphins within the 2016 draft out of Baylor. He's the longest-tenured lively Dolphin.
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