Brian Flores Sends Clear Message About Potential Xavien Howard Trade
Xavien Howard wants out of Miami, but Dolphins head coach Brian Flores isn’t willing to trade him just yet.
Howard took his trade demand public when the Dolphins kicked off training camp last week. The 28-year-old wants a new contract, but Miami’s front office has been reluctant to negotiate one.
“I’ve given by 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 said last week. “They are my family. But what I’ve learned is that the business side of the NFL proves organizations don’t always have player’s best interest at heart.”
While Howard appears committed to leaving Miami if a new contract doesn’t get worked out, Flores wants the star defensive back to stay a Dolphin. He said as much with reporters on Friday.
“We don’t want to trade X. Write that down,” Flores said, via Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network. “He’s a very good player. He’s a big part of the team. We don’t want to trade him.”
Brian Flores on Xavien Howard: "We don't want to trade X. Write that down. He's a very good player. He's a big part of the team. We don't want to trade him."
X requested a trade last week as he wants to be rewarded with slight contract adjustment after his 10-INT season in 2020.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) August 6, 2021
If Brian Flores wants Xavien Howard to stay put, then the Dolphins need to show Howard the money.
Howard signed a five-year extension with the Dolphins two years ago. At the time it was a great deal for both sides, but Howard has since outplayed the contract and deserves compensation more equal to his play and talent.
It’s plausible the Dolphins move on and trade the star defensive back before the 2021 season. But Flores appears committed to getting things worked out.
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