The Miami Dolphins are set to release cornerback Xavien Howard as a post-June 1 cut, which will save the team $18.5 million in 2024.
At the annual NFL Scouting Combine, Dolphins general manager Chris Grier told reporters that the door wasn’t closed for a reunion between the two sides later in the offseason. However, speaking on “The Joe Rose Show” on Tuesday, the cornerback wasn’t quite on the same page as Grier.
“That door is closed,” Howard said. He went on to say that he’s looking to win and join a team that’s capable of making a playoff run in 2024.
Howard’s words aren’t too surprising, as the two sides have had contentious contract negotiations for the last few years, and with this move being to save money, it was tough to imagine that the former Baylor Bear would be willing to return to South Florida for a pay cut.
Instead, Howard will finish his Dolphins career tied for the fourth-most interceptions in team history (29) alongside Glenn Blackwood and Patrick Surtain.