Report: Dolphins to release 4-time Pro Bowl CB Howard
The Miami Dolphins informed cornerback Xavien Howard that he will be released at the start of the league year, sources told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Peter Schrager.
Howard will be designated as a post-June 1 cut and carry a $7.4-million dead-cap hit in 2024 and a $15.7-million mark for 2025, according to Spotrac.
The 30-year-old had previously signed a five-year, $90-million deal with the club and was scheduled to be under contract through the 2026 campaign.
Miami is projected to be $25 million over the new $255.4-million salary cap before moving on from Howard, per Spotrac.
Howard allowed 39 completions on 62 targets for 419 yards and a touchdown in 2023, according to Pro Football Reference.
Howard has spent his entire eight-year career with Miami since being selected No. 38 overall in the 2016 draft. He's tallied 29 interceptions, 95 passes defended, and four total touchdowns in 100 career games. The four-time Pro Bowler earned first-team All-Pro honors after leading the league with 10 picks in 2020.
The Baylor product is the second high-profile defender that the Dolphins are moving on from, as the team is also parting ways with pass-rusher Emmanuel Ogbah.