Xavien Howard, Dolphins Agree to Reported Record 5-Year, $76.5M Contract

Xavien Howard will reportedly be the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL.

On Monday, the Miami Dolphins confirmed an agreement with Howard through the 2024 season. Adam Schefter of ESPN first reported Thursday that the two sides had agreed to a five-year, $76.5 million extension with $46 million in guaranteed money. Schefter noted the extension is the largest in league history for a cornerback.

Miami selected Howard with a second-round pick in the 2016 NFL draft. While the Baylor product played just seven games as a rookie, he appeared in all 16 of his second season with 48 total tackles, four interceptions and a defensive touchdown.

He made his first Pro Bowl in 2018 thanks in large part to seven interceptions, and Pro Football Focus graded him as the 19th-best cornerback in the league.

The Dolphins are going to need a formidable secondary if they are going to compete in the AFC East in the coming seasons, considering they have to deal with all-time great Tom Brady and young quarterbacks in Josh Allen and Sam Darnold.

Howard is just 25 years old and gives Miami a defensive building block as it looks to return to the playoffs for just the third time since the 2002 campaign.