Calling Xavien Howard the best cornerback in Miami history, Jalen Ramsey voiced his strong disapproval of the Dolphins’ decision to release him.
One-season teammate Ramsey lambasted a former Dolphins player for not making the most of their entire skill set. Ramsey played alongside Howard.
Although Ramsey did not name the individual, many assume he was alluding to Vic Fangio, the former defensive coordinator.
Fangio just signed with the Philadelphia Eagles after leaving the Dolphins.
Last season, the Dolphins’ defense was quite good; they gave up the 11th-most points per game but ranked 10th in yards allowed per game.
Ramsey referred to Howard as the best cornerback in Miami history in a social media post on Friday, but he also seemed to disparage a former Dolphins player.
“Dude, I will never be able to forgive you for not using our entire skill set.”
Head coach Mike McDaniel of the team said that cutting ties with Fangio was the best course of action.
Howard is set to become an unrestricted free agent, but Ramsey has two more years left on his contract.
In order to save $18.5 million in cap space, the Dolphins informed Howard that he will be released at the beginning of the next season. However, because of the nature of the release, you will only be able to use these savings on June 2.
Howard acknowledged the Dolphins and pledged to return stronger even though he was disappointed.
With 29 interceptions since 2016, the most of any cornerback and tied for fourth most in Dolphins history, Howard has established himself as one of the league’s premier shutdown corners since joining the league.
He was named an All-Pro in 2020 and appeared in four Pro Bowls.
His play has been impacted by injuries in the past few years. In 2022, he suffered a groin injury; in 2023, he sprained his midfoot, missing games, including one against the Chiefs in the playoffs.
Furthermore, Howard’s contract situation left him vulnerable to termination, with no guaranteed income following the 2023 campaign.
He was reluctant to accept a pay reduction and expressed doubts about his future.
With $4 million guaranteed, Howard’s base salary of $15.4 million for 2024 was up for grabs for the Dolphins to decide.
The team would have had less cap space if he had been cut before June 1.
After Jalen Ramsey’s injury return in 2024, the Dolphins need a cornerback because they do not have any other proven players in the position.
Although they have less experience and injury concerns, Kader Kohou, Cam Smith, Ethan Bonner, and Keion Crossen are other cornerbacks with contracts.
Defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah has also been released by the Dolphins, which results in a sizable cap savings.
Head coach Mike McDaniel of the team said that cutting ties with Fangio was the best course of action.
Howard’s contract will expire in two years, and Ramsey will be free to sign with any team.
Howard will be released by the Dolphins at the beginning of the upcoming season, freeing up $18.5 million in cap space. However, because of the nature of the release, you will only be able to use these savings on June 2.
Howard acknowledged the Dolphins and pledged to return stronger even though he was disappointed.
With 29 interceptions since 2016, the most of any cornerback and tied for fourth most in Dolphins history, Howard has established himself as one of the league’s premier shutdown corners since joining the league.
In 2020, he was named an All-Pro and appeared in four Pro Bowls.
His play has been impacted by injuries in the past few years. In 2022, he suffered a groin injury; in 2023, he sprained his midfoot, missing games, including one against the Chiefs in the playoffs.
Furthermore, Howard had no guaranteed income after the 2023 season due to his contract situation, which made him vulnerable to being cut.
He said he did not know what the future held and that he did not want to lose money.
With $4 million guaranteed, Howard’s base salary of $15.4 million for 2024 was up for grabs for the Dolphins to decide.
The team would have had less cap space if he had been cut before June 1.
After Jalen Ramsey’s injury return in 2024, the Dolphins need a cornerback because they do not have any other proven players in the position.
Although they have less experience and injury concerns, Kader Kohou, Cam Smith, Ethan Bonner, and Keion Crossen are other cornerbacks with contracts.
Defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah has also been released by the Dolphins, which results in a sizable cap savings.