The Miami Dolphins are currently in a standoff with star cornerback, Xavien Howard. Howard wants a new contract as he has turned into one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL since being selected in the 2016 NFL Draft. Could the New Orleans Saints look to make a trade for him?
Howard has led the NFL in interceptions two of the last three seasons and has 22 total in the last four seasons. He received a strong grade of 87.3 from Pro Football Focus for the 2020 season.
The former Baylor product feels disrespected by the organization, as his contract included only $27.2 million in guarantees at the time of signing and he is not even the highest-paid cornerback on his team despite being No. 1 on the assignment depth chart.
As a result, Howard has formally requested a trade from the Dolphins. Numerous teams should be lining up for his services, including the Saints.
What could a trade between the Saints and Dolphins look like? Let’s take a look.
Hypothetical Trade
Saints Receive: Xavien Howard
Dolphins Receive: 2022 First-Round Pick
This is a trade that would be beneficial for both sides. For Miami, they receive a quality asset in a first-round draft pick. They have done a great job in recent years building the roster up through the NFL Draft.
Brian Flores saw first hand what moving up and down the draft board can do with the New England Patriots and the Dolphins have done it well since he has been head coach. It would also give them a second first-rounder next year after they used one to move back up to the No. 6 spot in the 2021 NFL Draft after trading back from No. 3.
With Byron Jones, Eric Rowe and 2020 first-round pick Noah Igbinoghene in the fold, the Dolphins have great depth and can afford to move on from Howard. The $11.6 million they could save would also come in handy.
As for the New Orleans Saints, trading a first-round pick is a relatively steep price, but Xavien Howard has proven he is worth the cost. As one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, the Saints, who are still in win-now mode even with Drew Brees retiring, would be hard-pressed to select a player that will be as impactful as him.
New Orleans could also use some help in their defensive backfield. They have Marshon Lattimore atop the depth chart, but they can use some reassurance behind him. Veteran Prince Amukamara was recently signed, but he has not appeared in an NFL game since 2019 with the Chicago Bears, spending time on the Arizona Cardinals practice squad last season.
