Dolphins, Howard agree on restructured contract

Xavien Howard is staying in Miami.

The cornerback and the Miami Dolphins agreed on a restructured contract, head coach Brian Flores announced Sunday.

“We’re excited to have gotten this done," Flores said, according to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe.

"In any negotiation, compromise is important," he added. "We want all sides to be happy.”

Howard received a $1 million Pro Bowl incentive and $3.5 million in additional incentives as part of his new deal, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports. The Dolphins agreed to rescind all minicamp fines as well.

Miami also assured Howard it will renegotiate a new deal next year and guaranteed $6.78 million of his 2022 salary, Rapoport adds.

However, Howard's full 2022 salary of $12.98 million is injury protected and will become fully guaranteed on the first day of the league year, Rapoport notes. Additionally, the Dolphins converted Howard's $500,000 per-game roster bonuses and $100,000 workout bonus for next season to base salary and guaranteed money.

The 28-year-old was frustrated with the Dolphins due to his contract status, and he went public with a trade request last month. Howard cited being paid less than teammate Byron Jones as one of his many issues.

However, the Dolphins remained hopeful they could find a resolution. Howard also appeared open to remaining in Miami shortly after his request, saying it would be the team's responsibility to fix the situation.

There are still four years left on the five-year, $75.25-million extension the veteran signed in 2019. It's believed to be the first time in NFL history a player with four years left on his deal has received added money and guarantees, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

The second-round pick in 2016 is coming off his best season as a pro. He led the league in interceptions (10) and passes defended (20) in 2020, earning him Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro honors.