AFC East Notes: Xavien Howard, Dolphins, Patriots

Xavien Howard

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk posted the full breakdown of Dolphins CB Xavien Howard‘s record six-year, $76.53 million extension. 

• Howard receives a $7 million signing bonus, earns a $7 million guaranteed roster bonus this year, and has a 2019 base salary of $1,285,641 fully guaranteed.
• His 2020 base salary of $11.9 million is also fully guaranteed while his 2021 base salary of $12.075 million is guaranteed for injury and fully guaranteed as of the fifth day of the 2020 league year.
• For the 2022 season, Howard will make a base salary of $12.375 million with $6.775 million guaranteed for injury only.
• Howard’s base salary over the final two years of the deal will be $11.4 million and $11.65 million respectively.
• Howard’s contract also includes several workout bonuses through the deal, including $25,000 in 2020, $25,000 in 2021, $100,000 in 2022, $100,000 in 2023, and $100,000 in 2024.

Dolphins

Dolphins HC Brian Flores said has no issue if Ryan Fitzpatrick wins the starting job this summer over Josh Rosen. and explained that he just wants to do “what’s best for the team and best for the Miami Dolphins.”

“If he wins the competition, absolutely I’m good with that,” Flores said, via Safid Deen of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. “I think that would be what’s best for the team and best for the Miami Dolphins. . . . That would be the same at all positions. We’re going to play the players we feel that are going to win us football games.”

• Flores was asked about the decision to bring in former Bengals RB Mark Walton, who was arrested three times this offseason, for a tryout during rookie minicamp and said that Walton is talented and they want to see if he’s a fit on and off the field for them. (Joe Schad)
• Flores added that he and GM Chris Grier discussed Walton’s off-field issues and he generally likes to see people get second chances.

Patriots

Patriots OC Josh McDaniels said Tom Brady‘s absence from rookie minicamp isn’t a big deal and follows a similar approach Brady took last year. 

“This is kind of similar to last year,” McDaniels said, via the Boston Herald. “When he’s here, he’ll be here. When he’s not, he’s not. It’s voluntary. To each his own.”

“When he’s here, I’ll be happy to see him,” McDaniels added. “I trust completely what he’s doing. I’m sure he’s in good shape, good condition, and preparing for the year. . . . I know he’s working his butt off, and he’ll be ready. When he walks through the door, I’ll be excited to see him.”