MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Miami Dolphins All-Pro cornerback Xavien Howard reported for the start of training camp to avoid being fined, then said he doesn’t feel valued or respected by the team and has requested a trade.
Howard skipped mandatory minicamp in June and is unhappy with the $75.25 million, five-year extension he signed two years ago. He decided not to sit out training camp but posted a statement on social media Tuesday night saying he wants to play elsewhere.
“I’m not happy, and have requested a trade,” Howard’s statement said. “Until that trade happens I am just here so I don’t get fined, and will handle myself like professionals do.”
Last year, Howard had 10 interceptions, the most in the NFL since 2007. He also led the league with 20 passes defended.
But Miami’s other starting cornerback, Byron Jones, has a bigger contract — an $82.5 million, five-year deal reached last year.
“I signed an extension that I’ll admit I didn’t completely understand or feel comfortable with,” Howard said. “Everyone knows I’ve significantly outperformed that deal. I’m one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. … Yet, I’m the second-highest paid cornerback on my own team, and it’s not even close.”
Howard said he hasn’t asked for a completely new contract, but has made salary cap-friendly proposals such as more guaranteed money.
“The Dolphins refused everything we proposed,” Howard said. “I don’t think the organization has dealt with me in good faith.”
Coach Brian Flores declined to talk about any negotiations or trade possibilities regarding Howard.
“Those conversations, like always, are going to be internal and confidential,” Flores said hours before Howard’s statement was posted. “But we’re excited to have him. I’m excited to work with him. He’s a great player.”
The dispute creates a major issue for Flores at the start of his third season in Miami. The Dolphins doubled their win total to 10 last year but missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.
