The Miami Dolphins have decided to release cornerback Xavien Howard to cut salary and create cap space, according to his agent David Canter. This move will save the team a significant amount of money, especially if done after June 1. Howard, a former first-team All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler, has been a valuable player for the Dolphins since being drafted in 2016. However, his production has declined in recent years, with only two interceptions in the past two seasons. The team’s decision to sign other cornerbacks like Byron Jones and draft players like Noah Igbinoghene and Cam Smith has also contributed to the end of Howard’s tenure with the Dolphins.
In addition to Xavien Howard, the Dolphins have also announced the release of defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah. Ogbah, who signed a lucrative contract with Miami in 2020, has been productive when healthy, posting 18 combined sacks in 2020 and 2021. However, a triceps injury limited his playing time in 2022, although he bounced back with 5.5 sacks last season. His release will save the Dolphins a significant amount of money in 2024, making it a necessary move for the team to free up cap space and potentially bring in new talent.
The departure of Xavien Howard and Emmanuel Ogbah will undoubtedly have an impact on the Miami Dolphins’ defense in the upcoming season. Both players were key contributors to the team, and their absence will leave a void that will need to be filled by other players. The Dolphins will have to rely on their younger and less experienced players to step up and fill the roles left by Howard and Ogbah. This could lead to a period of adjustment for the team as they navigate these changes and adapt to a new defensive scheme.
As the Miami Dolphins move forward from the departures of Xavien Howard and Emmanuel Ogbah, they will need to focus on rebuilding their defense and finding new ways to improve their roster. The cap space freed up by these moves could allow the team to pursue new free agents or make trades to strengthen their defense. It will be interesting to see how the Dolphins address these departures and what moves they make to ensure that they remain competitive in the upcoming season. The team’s ability to adapt and overcome these challenges will be crucial to their success in the future.
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