Chris Grier says he anticipates Xavien Howard will play for Dolphins in 2022

This defense needs him back.

One of the most important tasks on the Miami Dolphins offseason agenda is figuring out their future with cornerback Xavien Howard.

Howard and the Dolphins were at odds last offseason, as the cornerback held in for more money on a contract that he signed just two years prior. The sides agreed to a restructure and said they’d revisit their deal in the offseason.

That time has come, and general manager Chris Grier doesn’t see Howard going anywhere anytime soon.

“Xavien Howard will be here,” Grier said to local reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana. “We will talk about the contract, as we made that promise.”

Grier stated that the sides have had conversations regarding the contract and are comfortable heading into the offseason.

The Dolphins defense struggled early on in 2021 but finished strong, and the biggest part of that may have been Howard’s performance. He made his third trip to the Pro Bowl and finished the season with five more interceptions.

With defensive coordinator Josh Boyer returning to run his scheme in 2022 despite the arrival of a new head coach, Howard’s presence will be integral to the success of the group.

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