The first week of training camp for Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard was a strange one. First, Howard ended his holdout with the team on Tuesday morning. Shortly thereafter, Howard announced he’s officially requested a team; tossing the Dolphins under the bus for their handling of his contract. But Howard practiced none the less, until he tweaked his ankle. It’s been a lot to take in as far as superstar sagas go in such a short amount of time.
And yet as more time passes, it really feels like the details of the situation have limited the outcomes that we will see as the final solution. Howard himself sure seemed to make it sound like he was hopeful for a resolution in Miami despite the public request for a trade.
“Sure. I hope it gets better. It’s a process. I’m hearing this and hearing that but nothing is getting done right now. Right now, I’m just here – out here every day, supporting the team and out here working,” said Howard during a press availability on Saturday. The motivation for a continued marriage between the two sides feels straight forward; the pairing together last season was excellent. And, specifically in Howard’s case, hoping for an amended situation in Miami is key given that the team ultimately does have four remaining years on Howard’s deal. If the team expects the moon to trade him, Howard may be swallowing his pride to earn what he can in Miami no matter what.
Howard making such a concession publicly while also posturing for a trade feels like a concession that Miami is intent to not move him any time soon. Whether or not the Dolphins meet him in the middle? That’s another story entirely and one that could be resolved in a moment’s notice or be left completely unanswered until the start of the season. And if Howard is left without any remodeling of his current contract, it sounds as though he’ll be ready to go in the regular season anyway. Howard was asked that directly on Saturday and his response didn’t leave much room for imagination.
“Like I said, I’m here. I’m here.”
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