Dolphins reportedly take Xavien Howard off the market
Last offseason, there was enough speculation and suggestion the 49ers could have targeted Miami Dolphins All-Pro cornerback Xavien Howard. And while no deal transpired, the thought of adding the 28-year-old standout could have easily increased leading up to the trade deadline.
Especially considering the Niners have had all kinds of issues at the position and have relatively few long-term options beyond this season that are trustworthy.
The one-win Dolphins could have potentially looked to move Howard at the deadline, perhaps as part of a deal with the Houston Texans for embattled quarterback Deshaun Watson. But according to FanSided’s NFL insider Matt Lombardo, that seems to be off the market now:
One name that appears off the trade market, according to sources, is #Dolphins CB Xavien Howard.
— Matt Lombardo 🏈 (@MattLombardoNFL) November 1, 2021
It’s always possible Howard winds up part of a Deshaun Watson blockbuster, but Miami has no plans on moving him. #NFL
Maybe the Dolphins would have asked too much from a team like the Niners anyway. But considering the New England Patriots accepted a sixth-round pick from the Carolina Panthers for All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore, it’s feasible San Francisco might have been able to offer a second- or even a third-round pick for Howard, likely solving a big need and guaranteeing a better pro player instead of hoping for a key find in the NFL Draft this spring.
According to Lombardo, it won’t happen, however.