Another top cornerback holdout could impact Stephon Gilmore and the Patriots
The Patriots aren’t the only team dealing with a star cornerback set to hold out of training camp. In fact, they’re not even the only team in their division with an All-Pro corner who is unhappy with his contract.
According to Mike Silver of NFL Network, Dolphins’ corner Xavien Howard could be looking for a pay raise. “There’s a lot of trade chatter concerning Dolphins All-Pro CB Xavien Howard, who led the NFL with 10 interceptions in 2020 & is unhappy with his contract,” Howard tweeted Wednesday afternoon. “Howard, who signed a five-year, $75.25-million extension two years ago, wants a new, improved deal in the wake of his stellar 2020 season. He’s not likely to get it from Miami…[and] could try to force the issue by holding out of training camp.”
Howard is currently set to make $12.1 million this year, the second year of a five-year extension. There is a potential opt out for the team after season, followed by three more years with an average salary of $12.4 million. For comparison, the Patriots are scheduled to pay Gilmore $7.7 million in 2021, the final year of his deal.
The similarities continue beyond the money. Both teams can find leverage in their second outside corners, who are also both among the most talented in the game. For the Dolphins, that’s Byron Jones, and for the Patriots J.C. Jackson.
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].
