The Miami Dolphins have signed two-time interception leader Xavien Howard to a five-year, $50.69 million contract extension that includes the most guaranteed cash for a cornerback in NFL history.
The extension adds to the remaining three years and $39.30 million he had left on his previous deal. Overall, the Dolphins have Howard under contract for the next five years averaging $18 million per year, which makes him the fourth-highest paid cornerback in the NFL.
"Xavien has done a lot of good things here for this organization," Dolphins GM Chris Grier said at the NFL's annual meeting last week. "I've known him for years. I was here when we drafted him. He was my second draft pick here. I'm looking forward to him being here and helping us win."
Howard requested a trade last offseason after Miami signed cornerback Byron Jones to a five-year, $82.5 million deal in free agency, and Howard became the second-highest paid cornerback on the team.
"I'm one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and the tape backs up that claim," Howard said in a statement. "Yet, I'm the second highest paid cornerback on my own team, and it's not even close."
The 28-year-old had 16 pass breakups last season and recorded five interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns. Howard also had 50 tackles and earned a Pro Bowl invitation for the second consecutive season.
Howard was selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft by Miami and earned six starts during his rookie year. He became a constant in the Dolphins' starting lineup and has led the NFL twice in interceptions during his six seasons in the league.
Since his rookie season in 2016, Howard has a league-leading 27 interceptions and has been a two-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler.
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