The Miami Dolphins and star cornerback Xavien Howard are currently mired in a contract dispute; one that has shown some glimpses of hope but no real traction towards being resolved. There appears to be a fundamental difference between Howard’s camp (arguing that he was under-compensated for 2020) and the Dolphins (who presumably are taking the stance that they’re only willing to pay for play going forward). It is a complicated dance of posturing. And while Miami and Howard will eventually come to put this behind them one way or another, the opinions on how that resolution should come varies depending on nearly everyone you ask.
One former Miami Dolphins general manager has chimed in on the situation: Randy Mueller served as the general manager for the Dolphins during the Nick Saban and Cam Cameron years of 2005-2007. In the years that have passed since, Mueller has continued his career in player personnel but now offers musings through a monthly newsletter. The top subject for August’s release?
Howard and the Dolphins.
“If I were the GM, I’d consider a life preserver type move for Howard, offering to advance payment of his salary or maybe even add an incentive for 11 or more INT’s (he made 10 last year) that would not count against the cap. If that wasn’t enough, I think I’d just let him sit. If he becomes a distraction or less than team oriented, the Dolphins always have the fine of “conduct detrimental to the team” card to play. I would not give him a new deal, and definitely not while he is, in all reality, withholding services.” — Randy Mueller, former Miami Dolphins general manager
Mueller’s plan of attack technically sides with Howard; as it has been reported that Howard and his agent, David Canter, have proposed an advance on future salary as one possible solution for the standoff with the Dolphins. His next step of added incentives falls in line with where the Dolphins have reportedly tried to appease the situation.
And so now the question becomes which side blinks first. But according to Mueller, both sides of this situation are asking the right questions of the other side.
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