{"id":65295,"date":"2019-05-10T16:31:24","date_gmt":"2019-05-10T20:31:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=65295"},"modified":"2021-03-13T14:37:55","modified_gmt":"2021-03-13T19:37:55","slug":"contract-extension-what-does-xavien-howard-extension-mean","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2019\/05\/10\/contract-extension-what-does-xavien-howard-extension-mean\/","title":{"rendered":"What the Xavien Howard Extension Means for the Miami Dolphins"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Miami Dolphins<\/a> and Pro Bowl cornerback\u00a0Xavien Howard<\/a> <\/strong>have\u00a0reached an agreement on a contract extension<\/a>\u00a0making him the highest paid cornerback in football. Giving that kind of money to a homegrown player has been a rarity for the Dolphins in recent years. This deal signals what has been echoed all off-season from the front office. The team’s foundation will be built through the draft and not free agency or trades. This deal was an important step into turning that mentality into a reality.<\/p>\n

What the Xavien Howard Extension Signals to the Miami Dolphins Locker Room<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The deal gives the blueprint to how a player can earn his money from the Dolphins. It is not only about ability on the field, but how a player carries himself in the locker room. According to Armando Salguero,<\/a>\u00a0head coach\u00a0Brian Flores<\/strong> during a press conference said\u00a0Howard is not only a great player but a leader in the locker room. The deal emphasizes the importance of being both a great player, hard worker, and leader.<\/p>\n

What Players Could Be Next<\/h2>\n

Howard was a second-round pick in 2016. He was the first player from that class to get an extension. Are there any other players from that class that could be next? When looking at the draft class, there is one obvious player, left tackle\u00a0Laremy Tunsil<\/a><\/strong>, and one who may get an extension based on play in the upcoming season, wide receiver\u00a0Jakeem Grant<\/a><\/strong>. These players are intriguing pieces that could get their extension next.<\/p>\n

When taking a look at the 2017 draft class, there are three players who may receive an extension in a couple of years, based on if they continue development. The first is a second-round draft pick, linebacker\u00a0Raekwon McMillan<\/strong><\/a>. After that could be defensive lineman\u00a0Davon Godchaux<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Vincent Taylor<\/a><\/strong>. All of these players will need to develop and fit into the new defense\u00a0Flores and defensive coordinator\u00a0Patrick Graham\u00a0<\/strong>plans to run.<\/p>\n

It is too early to evaluate the 2018 draft class. But one obvious player who will get an extension is defensive back,\u00a0Minkah Fitzpatrick<\/a><\/strong>. When eligible, he will surely get paid. He is already an outstanding player and a great locker room presence.<\/p>\n

Last Word<\/h3>\n

The Dolphins need more players like Howard to build up a winning franchise. This was the correct move and a step in the right direction.<\/p>\n

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