Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network is reporting the Miami Dolphins and Xavien Howard have agreed to terms of a restructured contract which will resolve the situation. Per Ian Rapoport the Dolphins gave Howard a $1 million pro bowl incentive and an additional $3.5 million in additional incentives and took back all of the mini-camp fines he had to pay.
The #Dolphins have agreed to restructure CB Xavien Howard’s contract, source says. The situation has been resolved. He’s staying in Miami.
It’s believed to be the first time in NFL history a player with four years left on his deal has received added money and guarantees.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 8, 2021
What did Xavien Howard get? $1M Pro Bowl incentive. $3.5M in additional incentives. Rescinding all minicamp fines. The max for 2021 is $16,285,294 https://t.co/ZOjYPeHfJj
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 8, 2021
It had been rumored in recent days the Dolphins were willing to give Howard a small pay bump in 2021 (this season) and then would be open to trading him after the season to let Howard get a new deal with another team. It appears that is what happened here with this restructure as there is very little true guaranteed money beyond the 2021 season. Either way, Xavien Howard will be playing for the Miami Dolphins in the 2021 season.
Also important for the Xavien Howard camp:
They got assurances from the Dolphins there will be another renegotiate a new deal in Feb. or March of 2022 in line with market based on health and performance.
— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) August 8, 2021
More on this story as it develops.
