'We Don't Want To Trade X': Coach Brian Flores Says Dolphins Want To Keep Unhappy Xavien Howard With Team
MIAMI GARDENS (CBSMiami/AP) --"We don't want to trade X," said Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores on Friday, commenting the team has no intention of trading disgruntled All-Pro cornerback Xavien Howard despite his desire to play elsewhere.
"Write that down. He's a very good player. He's a great part of the team," said Flores.
Howard is unhappy about his contract but Flores says talks with Howard and his agent to resolve the dispute are ongoing.
"As long as the lines of communication are open, as long as everyone is willing to compromise, then we can get something done," Flores said.
Howard requested a trade via Instagram on July 27, the day Dolphins reported for training camp. He signed a five-year extension in May 2019 and is signed through 2024.
"I think we're moving in the right direction, and we'll just continue to keep talking," Flores said. "We want these things to happen quickly. We want them to happen right now. But some things take time, and we'll work through it and, hopefully, come to the best resolution for all sides."
Flores declined to say whether the Dolphins have fielded trade calls regarding Howard, who led the NFL with 10 interceptions last year. He has been sidelined in recent practices because of an ankle injury, but took part in a walk-through Friday.
Howard became the NFL's highest-paid cornerback when he signed his $75.1 million extension, but has since fallen to sixth. Howard pointed out in his Instagram post that he is no longer the highest-paid cornerback on his own team, having been overtaken by Byron Jones, who signed an $82.5 million, five-year deal as an unrestricted free agent before the 2020 offseason.
The Dolphins just finished their second week of 2021 training camp.
The first of three preseason games is Saturday, August 14, against the Chicago Bears.
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(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)