Top CB now on the market after Dolphins clear cap space

Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard (25) Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Top CB now on the market after Dolphins start clearing cap space

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 2/23/24

The writing was on the wall for Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard.

With a 2024 cap hit of $25.9 million, the four-time Pro Bowler was informed by the Dolphins on Friday afternoon that he would be released, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

It’s presumed Howard will be designated as a post-June 1 cut, which would save Miami $18.5M in cap space with $7.4M in dead money, per Over the Cap.

The news didn’t take Howard by surprise. He foreshadowed it would happen when speaking to reporters during locker cleanout day.

“At the end of the day it’s a business,” Howard said, via the Palm Beach Post. “My eight years here, I’ve made the best of it. If this year is the last year and I have to say goodbye to some of the guys here, I understand. It’s a part of the business. No matter where I go, I’m still going to do my thing.”

Xavien Howard posted this on is instagram story pic.twitter.com/bHCDJhnfWt
— dolphins_25 (@mike34614675) February 20, 2024

Howard is expected to be one of the more sought-after cornerbacks in a free-agent class that includes Chicago’s Jaylon Johnson, Kansas City’s L’Jarius Sneed, Dallas’ Stephon Gilmore, Atlanta’s Jeff Okudah and Indianapolis’ Kenny Moore.

In eight seasons with the Dolphins, Howard has totaled 331 tackles, 95 passes defended, 29 interceptions, five fumble recoveries, four forced fumbles and two pick-sixes, and he made four Pro Bowls, was a two-time All-Pro selections and he led the league in interceptions twice (2018, 2020).

Xavien Howard was an excellent 2nd round pick. One of the best ball hawks in Dolphins history. He had receiver skills and a fearlessness and was born tough and physical. At his best he was a dawg who could be trusted on an island against any receiver. It was a good 8 years.
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) February 23, 2024

The 30-year-old allowed 502 yards and two touchdowns on 44 receptions in coverage this season. He surrendered a completion percentage of 62 and a passer rating against of 86.7, per Pro Football Focus. Statistically, he was Miami’s second-best cornerback in 2023 behind Jalen Ramsey.

Among CBs with 450 or more coverage snaps this season, Howard ranked in the top 25 in several categories including in yards allowed (16th), pass breakups (19th), yards after the catch allowed (21st), forced incompletions (22nd), yards per reception allowed (25th) and passer rating against (25th).

His 29 interceptions since 2016 are the second-most since in the NFL over that span behind Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons.

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