The news broke yesterday that the Dolphins have agreed to terms on a contract extension with cornerback Xavien Howard.
Howard signed a record setting deal worth $76.5M over five years — $46M of that guaranteed. There has already been some backlash on the signing by fans — both fans of the team and casual fans of the sport. Some Dolphins fans go as far as to believe the Dolphins should complete their perceived “tank” by trading Howard to haul more draft picks.
But while there is some logical thought to wanting to move players for draft picks and not paying them big money, signing Howard to an extension was the right move.
Since taking over the starting job in his second season, Howard has recorded 11 interceptions and one touchdown. In 2018, he finished the season tied for the most interceptions with seven. Damontae Kazee (Atlanta) and Kyle Fuller (Chicago) each also logged seven interceptions — although they each did so in 16 games. Howard did it in 12. Before being shutdown for the season, Howard was on pace for nine interceptions for the 2018 season.
Since recording his first interception in the 2017 season, no corner in the NFL has recorded more.
Every week, the former Baylor Bear is expected to cover the best receiver on opposing offenses. Multiple times in his career, Howard has made plays when the Dolphins needed him most. Against the Colts in the 2018 season, Howard recorded two interceptions to end the Colts drives before the half and keep the game within reach.
Xavien Howard may not be a household name to the casual fan just yet, but he has developed enough and provides enough game changing plays to be plenty worth his contract extension.
