5 shocking trades the Panthers should consider before 2021 season
By Dean Jones
Xavien Howard – CB
Another player who appears far from happy with his current contract situation is Xavien Howard. The Miami Dolphins have a real problem on their hands with the cornerback that might result in the organization entertaining trade calls in the coming weeks.
Howard faced plenty of questions last season after turning out just five times in 2019. It’s safe to say he answered them and more during an exceptional campaign.
It didn’t take long for Howard to reestablish himself, emerging as one of the NFL’s top players at the position on his way to 10 interceptions, 20 passes defended, and an 87.3 grade from Pro Football Focus.
Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule wasn’t at Baylor when Howard was part of the program, but he’ll know full-well what the player is capable of.
There doesn’t appear to be a need at the corner position following the arrivals of Jaycee Horn, Keith Taylor Jr., and A.J. Bouye this offseason. However, players with Howard’s capabilities don’t become available every day and if Scott Fitterer is true to his word, it’s a call they need to make at the very least.
Whether the Panthers have enough to get this sort of deal done is another matter entirely. It would take a first-round pick and the guarantee of a contract extension, even though Howard signed a deal worth more than $72.5 million in 2019.