What a Seahawks trade for CB Xavien Howard could look like
By Geoff Shull
What a trade for Xavien Howard could look like for the Seahawks.
The trade will be straightforward. The Dolphins are in the middle of a rebuild. They are closer to the ending than the beginning, however. They won’t want to see that much talent leave without having something substantial in return. This shouldn’t be a problem. I have a trade that should help both sides.
However, the redone contract will add some layers of complexity. The way I see it, there are two ways the Seahawks can make the contract situation work. Neither of them is a great option. We will go over this on the next slide.
The trade:
This trade would accomplish for both sides what is needed. The Seahawks get their true number-one cornerback in Howard. A player who can single-handedly shut down just about any wide receiver in the game. The Dolphins get a very effective and feisty cornerback who is criminally underrated and draft compensation.
For all the Dolphin fans who are up in arms thinking this is a bad trade let me explain how high I am on Reed. He is the perfect number-two cornerback. He is incredibly feisty in coverage, his footwork, speed, and hips are quick and fluid. He has a natural feel for the game and an even higher football IQ. Playing next to Byron Jones would be the perfect setup for both player and team success.
He was thrown to the wolves last year after a freak injury in 2019. He was playing on a new team with a new system. He answered the impossible call when thrust into the starting lineup with six pass breakups, two interceptions, and a completion rate of 55% in just ten games. He is only 24 years old and will only continue to get better. You are getting a player who fits the rebuild timeline.
Where the problem lies; The Seahawks cannot afford Howard’s contract as is. Trading away Reed does little to help with the money. Howard has been adamant about receiving a new deal. Whether that is from the Dolphins or someone else, it doesn’t matter. So, what could the Seahawks do to solve the contract issue?