Dolphins' Answer at Cornerback Could be a Reunion With Former All-Pro

   

The Miami Dolphins have reportedly been in the market for a cornerback since the trade of star cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although the Dolphins received All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in the trade, it still leaves a big hole at cornerback.

Jalen Ramsey Officially Done With The Miami Dolphins After Monster  Blockbuster Trade To Pittsburgh Steelers - NewsBreak

The Dolphins currently have Kader Kohou as their No. 1 option with the most experience, and then hope for another year of growth after a strong rookie season from second-year cornerback Storm Duck. After that, the Dolphins would love for third-year player Cam Smith to make a leap in 2025 and fill the cornerback spot, but adding a proven veteran might be the safer answer for Miami.

The Dolphins did sign Artie Burns and Kendall Sheffield in free agency and have a couple of other young cornerback options that could play their way into roles during training camp, but the cornerback position group is the weakness of the team.

Since the Ramsey trade, a few names such as Rasul Douglas, Asante Samuel Jr., and Stephon Gilmore have been thrown out as potential targets for the Dolphins. However, recently, a more familiar name surfaced for the Dolphins to target.

Five Reasons Sports Network's Austin Dobbins suggested the Dolphins could target former All-Pro and former Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard.

This may be a stretch as Howard has been out of football for over a year and was cut by the Dolphins, but the former All-Pro has experience with the team, and money should not be an issue anymore.

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel talks to reporters before practice during mandatory minicamp at Hard Rock Stadium.
 

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel talks to reporters before practice during mandatory minicamp at Hard Rock Stadium.

"Howard, a former Dolphins Pro Bowler, has been out of the NFL since 2023 due to a Lisfranc issue but has stayed in football shape. At 32, he offers familiarity with the organization and fanbase, with a solid 81.3 passer rating against in his last season (2023)," Dobbins wrote. "His leadership and history as a franchise icon could boost morale, and a cheap, one-year deal minimizes risk.

"However, his year-long absence from competitive play raises questions about his current form, and the Dolphins’ prior decision to part ways suggests hesitation to rely on him as a starter. Howard is a sentimental but uncertain option compared to others with recent NFL experience."

Bringing in Howard may be a wildcard for the Dolphins, but if there's one team that knows him best, it's Miami. Howard was drafted in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Dolphins and spent eight seasons in Miami. He went to four Pro Bowls and made the All-Pro team in 2020 when he led the league in interceptions and passes defended.

Howard earned two contract extensions with the Dolphins, playing through his five-year, $75.25 million extension following his rookie contract. In 2022, he signed a five-year, $90 million extension, but only made it through two seasons before the Dolphins released him.

Howard's production dipped a bit in 2022 and 2023 after the new contract, and the Dolphins saved cap space with the release. However, after a year away from the game, Miami could likely sign Howard to a cheap one-year deal and provide a familiar veteran presence to a young, developing cornerback room.