Brian Flores, Dolphins coach, expresses his desire for Xavien Howard to join him in building his team. (1:02).Miami Dolphins Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien H. Howard stated Tuesday night in a statement that he had requested a trade to prove that he had outperformed his contract.Howard stated that he doesn't feel valued or respected by the Dolphins. Howard said, "Just as they can take business-first approaches, so can I."Howard reported to training camp Tuesday, but was disappointed that Miami refused to adjust his contract.Howard signed a 5-year, $75 million deal in 2019, which made him the highest-paid cornerback of the NFL at that time. Howard is still owed $12 million in non-guaranteed funds this year. He also just finished a 10 interception season, which was the most since 2007, and earned him an All Pro nod.Howard's current contract ranks sixth in per year average. He recently switched agents to help him navigate his quest for a better deal.Howard stated, "I'm one the best cornerbacks of the NFL, and that tape supports that claim." "Yet, it's not close. I'm the second-highest paid cornerback on my team."Byron Jones, who is located opposite Howard, was awarded a $52.5 million, five-year deal in free agency last January.Howard and David Canter, his agent, never asked for a new contract but offered alternatives such as guaranteed money on a reworked agreement. Howard stated that this was what Howard preferred. These pitches were rejected by the organization, and the cornerback stated that he didn't believe the organization had dealt with him in good faith.Howard stated, "That's why it's why I want make it clear that I'm unhappy, and have requested trade." "I am here to avoid getting fined and I will treat myself like professionals until that trade occurs."Howard is a team favorite because of his ability to play press-man coverage, and get the ball. Since joining the league in 2016 from Baylor, Howard has had 22 interceptions and 55 pass defenses. Only Marcus Peters (23) of the Baltimore Ravens has more picks in that time span.Miami was able to trade two elite players in the last transaction. It received Laremy Tunsil, a left tackle, in return for two first-round picks.
