The Miami Dolphins are enjoying a breakout season and the Tua Tagovailoa era is set to begin in Week 8, but another huge move could come at the NFL trade deadline.
Just a year after blockbuster trades sent Laremy Tunsil to the Houston Texans and Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Pittsburgh Steelers, another star could be on the trade block in Miami.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Dolphins are taking calls from rival teams regarding Howard. If a club wants to add him to their defense, though, it will take a “Laremy Tunsil type” trade package.
Given Bill O’Brien is no longer running a team, it’s unlikely to happen. Miami received Houston’s 2020 and 2021 first- and second-round picks as the headliners in a package for Tunsil and receiver Kenny Stills.
Plenty of teams will be interested in Howard. The 27-year-old cornerback earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2018, finishing as the NFL’s co-interception leader (seven). The former second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft is just as sharp this season.
Even with Byron Jones sidelined, Howard is bringing stability to Miami’s secondary. He grades as the ninth-best cornerback this season, per Pro Football Focus, with only 12 receptions allowed in 212 coverage snaps.
Miami signed Howard to a five-year, $75 million contract extension. He got in legal trouble in December, facing charges for domestic battery. Ultimately, the charges were dropped and he avoided a suspension.
If teams aren’t willing to offer more than just a first-round pick, it would be wise for the Dolphins to keep Howard. He is an integral part of an impressive defense, which could play a significant role in this becoming a playoff team.