One of the NFL’s best defensive backs is set to hit the open market.
The Dolphins have informed stud cornerback Xavien Howard that he will be cut at the start of the new league year, according to NFL Network, after eight seasons with the team.
Howard has three years left on the five-year, $90 million deal he signed in 2022, but the move will provide the Dolphins $18.5 million in salary cap space, though they can’t use it until after June 1.
If the Dolphins cut Howard before June 1, they’d only save $2.8 million on their salary cap.
Howard is expected to have significant interest as a free agent, the outlet added.
Howard seemed to reference the news on Instagram, posting a picture of himself in a Dolphins jersey with the caption “Dolphins legend” along with light blue and orange hearts — the Dolphins’ colors.
The Dolphins drafted Howard, 30, in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Baylor, and he’s since emerged as one of the league’s most productive cornerbacks.
His 29 career interceptions are the second-most in the NFL since he entered the league in 2016.
A four-time Pro Bowler, Howard was named to the All-Pro Second Team in 2018 and to the First Team in 2020.
A team captain, Howard did not receive either honor this past year, when he recorded just one interception in 13 games during the regular season, though he did add one in the team’s AFC wild-card round loss to the Chiefs.
Pro Football Focus gave him a lowly 55.1 overall grade for the season, which ranked 99th among cornerbacks.
He allowed an 81.3 passer rating when targeted in coverage, according to Pro Football Reference.
Still, Howard is set to be one of the most accomplished defensive backs in free agency.
Adoree’ Jackson, Stephon Gilmore, Kendall Fuller and Jeff Okudah are among the other top cornerbacks who will be on the open market.
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