49ers news: Plenty of NFL trade deadline deals impact San Francisco
By Peter Panacy
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.