Last season, the Miami Dolphins quietly released veteran cornerback Xavien Howard, informing him early in the offseason that he would be a cap casualty and designated for a June 1 release.
To replace him, the Dolphins brought in Kendall Fuller, a former Washington Commander who didn’t stick around long in D.C. With an impending trade involving All-Pro Jalen Ramsey on the horizon, Miami now faces the challenge of finding two cornerbacks who can adapt quickly and stabilize their secondary.
Could Howard Return to Miami?
Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald floated the idea that the Dolphins should consider bringing Howard back for one more season.
“I’m on board with it. Xavien’s in great shape — I’ve spoken to him,” Kelly said during the Dolphins Collective podcast. “He’s open to returning. He didn’t play last season because he was enjoying fatherhood, doing school pickups and spending time with his kids.”
However, team insider Alain Poupart, also on the podcast, confirmed there have been no official talks about a reunion.
Despite the lack of movement, Kelly believes Howard deserves a final run with the Dolphins after a standout career. Over eight seasons in Miami, Howard made multiple Pro Bowls and played in three playoff games. He has expressed a desire to join a contender and is open to taking a pay cut if the opportunity is right.
Why Howard Sat Out Last Season
Instead of suiting up, Howard coached high school football at Fort Lauderdale’s Western High and prioritized family time. He did, however, work out for both the Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals, but couldn’t reach agreements with either team.
Reportedly, both franchises asked Howard to sign an injury waiver due to a prior foot surgery — a condition his camp declined.
On The OGs Podcast last March, Howard shared his mindset moving forward: “I’d take less money to be on a team with a shot at the Super Bowl. I’ve already been paid. At this point, it’s about winning. Some players get the money, some get the ring — some get both. I want to be one of those who get both.”
Over his career in Miami, Howard started 99 games and tallied 29 interceptions. While he was a major free-agent name last year, this offseason he’s largely been overlooked.
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