The Miami Dolphins need to make a number of moves to free up space with the league’s official $255.4 million salary cap being set for the 2024 NFL season.
Following ESPN’s Adam Schefter’s report that Emmanuel Ogbah would be released, Sports Illustrated’s Omar Kelly is reporting that the team has informed cornerback Xavien Howard that he will be released. This will likely be submitted as a post-June 1 cut.
Howard, 30, was selected by the Dolphins in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft following a collegiate career at Baylor that included a First-team All-Big 12 final season.
During his eight years with Miami, Howard made four Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team while recording 331 tackles (eight for a loss), 95 passes defensed, 29 interceptions, five fumbles recovered and four forced fumbles.
Only Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons has more interceptions since Howard entered the league, and he’s played 18 more games than the cornerback.
A post-June 1 release saves the Dolphins $18.5 million in 2024 and leaves them with a dead-cap hit of $7.41 million. If this is the case, the Dolphins will still need to clear about $25 million before March 13, but they will get these savings later in the offseason.
Howard’s agent is already looking to get his guy a new deal.
@Iamxavienhoward makes every team in the national football league an instant contender. Lock down corners don’t hit the market often.
— David Canter (@davidcanter) February 23, 2024