Google News All-Pro cornerback Xavien Howard requests trade from Dolphins
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All-Pro cornerback Xavien Howard has requested a trade from the Miami Dolphins. Howard, who has grown into one of the top quarterbacks in the league, wanted to make it work with the Dolphins but the Dolphins weren't willing to meet his demands.
"I've given my heart and soul to the Miami Dolphins franchise since they drafted me in 2016, and want to make it clear that I love my teammates," Howard's statement reads. "They are my family. But what I've learned is that the business side of the NFL proves organizations don't always have a player's best interest at heart.
My experience with the Dolphins the past few seasons has taught me that. "In 2018, I signed an extension that I'll admit I didn't completely understand, or feel comfortable with. I've played on that deal for two seasons and didn't complain, but everyone knows I've significantly outperformed that deal.
I'm one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and the tape backs up that claim. The assignments I'm given, shadowing the opposition's best player with little help, proves my value, my worth. Yet, I'm the second highest-paid cornerback on my own team, and it's not even close."
Howard brought solutions
Howard underlined that he didn't ask for a new contract but he simply wanted to rework his current deal and make it a win-win situation for both sides.
Howard didn't stop there, saying he doesn't feel valued or respected by the Dolphins. Howard reported to training camp and he plans to be professional until he gets traded. "I want to clear up a few misconceptions about my situation.
My agent David Canter and I have never once asked for a completely new contract. We wanted things to work out with the Dolphins, and brought solutions to the table -- like guaranteeing more money -- that we felt were win-wins for both sides.
These were proposals of adjustments that wouldn't just make me feel more respected, but were also cap friendly. But the Dolphins refused everything we proposed. "That is why I don't feel the organization has dealt with me in good faith.
I don't feel valued or respected by the Dolphins. Just like they take a business-first approach, so can I. That is why I want to make it clear I'm not happy, and have requested a trade. Until that trade happens, I am just here so I don't get fined, and will handle myself like professionals do."
