Dolphins, star cornerback Xavien Howard at odds about potential new contract

The Miami Dolphins expected star cornerback Xavien Howard, who has wanted to renegotiate his contract since the end of last season, to attend mandatory offseason minicamp this week.

But Howard, who has been working out on his own and absent from the team facility most of the offseason training activities, was not in attendance as the Dolphins began their minicamp Tuesday.

Dolphins coach Brian Flores called Howard’s contract request a “unique situation” because Howard and his camp are going back to the table after his standout season last year, when he was an All-Pro and the NFL leader with 10 interceptions.

The talks, which remain ongoing, also come after Howard signed a five-year, $75 million extension with the team in May 2019.

“Not saying we’re drawing a line in the sand. But different players set the market every year. We love X — let me go ahead and say that right now so you guys can make sure you write that,” Flores said of Howard.

“We love him. He’s very productive. He’s a team player. He’s an important player on this team. But again, unique situation. We want to keep him here.”

Howard, who averages $15 million annually, has seen other cornerbacks such as Rams star Jalen Ramsey ($20 million), Ravens standout Marlon Humphrey ($19.5 million), Bills star Tre’Davious White ($17.2 million), Eagles cornerback Darius Slay ($16.7 million) and even teammate Byron Jones ($16.5 million) receive bigger paydays.

The Dolphins signed Jones to a higher contract than Howard’s in March 2020 (five years, $82.5 million), making Howard the team’s second highest paid player.

In terms of total value, Howard’s $75.2 million deal ranks fourth behind Ramsey ($100 million), Humphrey ($97.5 million) and Jones.

Howard and his representative, South Florida based agent David Canter, have been talking to the Dolphins since the end of last season on a possible new deal.

Howard’s attendance, or lack thereof, in minicamp this week, along with the Dolphins giving linebacker Jerome Baker an extension last week and contract talks with players such as tight end Mike Gesicki and defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah add another layer to the saga.

If Howard fails to show at minicamp this week, he could be subject to a fine of at least $93,000.

”Quite honestly, I’m not sure he’s going to be here [Tuesday]. Again, I haven’t seen him. I expect him to be here, but I have not seen him yet,” Flores said of Howard.

“It’s pretty clear this is a contract situation, which we’ve talked about internally. … Obviously, we’ve had discussions, and we’ll continue to have those discussions.”

The Dolphins last week signed Baker, the team’s leading tackler in the last two seasons, to a three-year extension that could be worth $39 million with $28.4 million guaranteed.

“I’m excited for Jerome. … I think he’s done a really nice job for us the last two years,” Flores said of Baker. “He’s smart. He’s tough. He’s team first. He wants to be here. And we’re happy to reward him.”

Still, the Dolphins have other players hoping to reach new deals before the 2021 season.

Gesicki, the team’s leader with six touchdowns last season, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Gesicki was a second-round pick for Miami in 2018 and has become one of the NFL’s brightest tight ends during his time in Miami.

Ogbah, whose nine sacks last season were the most since Cameron Wake had 10.5 for the Dolphins in 2017, was also a bright spot for the team. Ogbah would like some greater financial security before making $7.5 million in the second-year of his two-year, $15 million contract this season.

“We want to keep everybody. We would if possible. But everyone is a little different and there’s a salary cap, we all know that,” Flores said.

With regard to Gesicki and Ogbah, Flores added: “We love those guys. They’ve both been productive players on our team, and we’ll continue to have conversations with their representation.

“But again, every situation is a little different,” Flores added. “I think there’s an understanding on the ones if we can get them done, we’ll get them done. And if we can’t, we can’t. But we’re always working to do what’s best for the team and the organization.”