Miami Dolphins training camp: Storylines, camp battles, and expectations

Biggest Storyline: Will Xavien Howard’s play match his new contract?

Xavien Howard signed a new contract over the offseason. Howard signed a deal making him the highest paid cornerback in the NFL. His deal runs for five years worth $75.250 million. Will this new deal affect his play?

Pro Football Focus (subscription required) graded Howard as the 16th best among NFL cornerbacks in 2018. The site points out that he allowed over 15 yards per reception. Was that statistic a result of the defensive scheme employed by the former coaching staff?

Howard was very good in defending passes. He ranked third by allowing only about half of the passes thrown his way to be completed. He did have seven interceptions in making his first Pro Bowl appearance.

However, Howard has missed games due to suffering injuries to his knees. Since his rookie season, he has missed 13 games because of knee injuries. Will he stay healthy throughout the season?

Howard has plenty to prove since signing his big new deal. The Dolphins do not seem to be worried that his knees will be any problem moving forward. His contract proves their trust in him and his abilities.

Pay close attention to the amount of repetitions that Howard gets at practice. Expect the Dolphins to keep him out of any unnecessary contact. They must protect their investment.