The New England Patriots aren't the only AFC East team in the midst of a challenging situation with an All-Pro cornerback.
Miami Dolphins CB Xavien Howard announced via Instagram on Tuesday he has formally requested a trade. The 28-year-old wrote that while he never asked the organization for a new contract, he brought other possible solutions to the table such as more guaranteed money. The Dolphins, however, refused the offers proposed by Howard and his agent.
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"Until that trade happens I am just here so I don't get fined, and will handle myself like professionals do," Howard added.
Read his full statement below:
Howard is scheduled to earn a guaranteed salary of roughly $12 million in 2021. That figure makes Howard the sixth highest-paid cornerback in the NFL this year, but the two-time Pro Bowler clearly believes he deserves more following a stellar 2020 campaign in which he led the league with 10 interceptions.
The Patriots would be thrilled to see Howard leave the division, but they're in a contract dispute of their own with cornerback Stephon Gilmore. The 30-year-old didn't attend OTAs or mandatory minicamp but did show up for training camp. He will begin camp on the active/physically unable to perform list as he continues to recover from a quad injury.