Miami Dolphins deny they’re exploring trade of CB Xavien Howard

The Dolphins say they are not looking to trade cornerback Xavien Howard.

“We are not exploring any trades regarding Xavien Howard,” the club said in a statement.

Earlier Tuesday, a person familiar with the team’s plans told the USA TODAY Network he had been told the club had received trade inquiries about Howard. The person spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation.

It is not uncommon for clubs to receive calls about many players ahead of the NFL’s trade deadline, which is Tuesday.

But given the strength of Miami’s statement, it seems extremely unlikely the Dolphins will deal Howard, who is tied for the league league with four interceptions.

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Howard and free-agent addition Byron Jones are one of the league’s best cornerback duos. Miami has been nearly impossible to pass against when they’ve been on the field together this season.

The Dolphins drafted cornerback Noah Igbinoghene with a first-round pick this season, which perhaps helped also lead to curiosity about Howard’s long-term future with the club.

But Howard has rebounded from offseason knee surgery and improved each week. He is tied for the NFL lead in interceptions with four. As a second-round pick, Howard has been one of the best selections by general manager Chris Grier.

Howard, 27, is playing on a five-year, $72.5 million contract. From a financial standpoint, Howard would seem to be locked into the roster for at least this year and 2021.

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