As Xavien Howard and the Miami Dolphins part ways, Jalen Ramsey says goodbye.

Xavien Howard is anticipated to be dismissed by the Miami Dolphins this summer, saving the franchise an estimated $18.5 million.

The Miami Dolphins saved an estimated $13 million in 2024 by cutting veteran defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah. After selecting him in the second round of the 2016 draft, supporters have supposedly had the privilege of viewing this player, whom the team has now apparently made a decision on.

Multiple sources indicate that the Dolphins plan to let go of CB Xavien Howard during the offseason. This change was made a month after Howard candidly asked whether he would be willing to take a pay cut for a team that had a lot of financial decisions to make, which caused some controversy. Howard stated the following:

According to Spotrac, the Dolphins will probably receive $18.5 million in cap relief as a result of the transaction this season. Assuming the team names Howard as one of its two post-June 1 cuts, that is. In 2024, the team would have $7.4 million in dead money if they did this. In 2025, Howard would have a dead cap of $15.699 million.

Howard became one of the top cornerbacks in Dolphins history over his eight seasons with the team, with 29 interceptions and 95 pass breaks. In addition, he totaled 6 touchdowns from forced rumbles, 2 sacks, 331 tackles, and five forced carries.

Although Howard’s departure was inevitable, it doesn’t lessen the pain of his leaving. After all, he was one of Miami’s defense’s few shining moments at one point. He endured numerous regime changes, and this year was meant to be different under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

And yet, the wheels came off somewhere along the journey. Whether it was Jalen Ramsey’s untimely injury early in the season or Howard’s absence from a few games, things never seemed to click. And contrary to what some may claim, Vic Fangio, the former defensive coordinator, played a role in that.

Have you noticed it? You wonder if we’ll ever find out exactly what was happening behind closed doors, and I know you did. There were players who weren’t satisfied with how they were used this season, and there were allegations that Fangio wouldn’t take other coordinators’ advice.

There’s so much more that Ramsey and Howard could have been, and all we can do now is speculate. That question won’t remain unanswered for long, though, as Miami must find a worthy replacement for Howard—someone who can live up to the legacy of one of the best cornerbacks this team has ever had.

Even though Xavien Howard’s best days may be behind him, I’m glad I got to see him play for my favorite team because he’s a great player.

What do you think of Xavien Howard being cut by the Miami Dolphins? Who will assume his position at the edge and take his place? Sign Nik Needham again? Smith Cam? Bonner, Ethan? Tell us in the space provided for comments below!