In the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins selected Howard with the 38th overall pick.
The Miami Dolphins traded to the Baltimore Ravens their second-round pick (42nd overall) and fourth-round pick (107th overall) in the 2016 NFL Draft in order to acquire Howard (38th overall).
With their second-round pick and their fourth-round pick, respectively, the Ravens selected Cincinnati wide receiver Chris Moore and Boise State linebacker Kamalei Correa. The sixth cornerback drafted in 2016 was Howard.
The Miami Dolphins inked Howard to a four-year, US$6.12 million contract on May 18, 2016, with a $3.83 million guarantee and a $2.65 million signing bonus.
Tony Lippett and Howard faced off in organized team activities and minicamp for the position of No. 2 starting cornerback.
Howard suffered a knee injury on the last day of minicamp, and after learning he would need surgery, was put on the physically unable to perform list.
Due to arthroscopy surgery, Howard was unable to take part in physical activities throughout training camp.
Despite missing the first three preseason contests, head coach Adam Gase decided to play Byron Maxwell and Howard as the other two cornerbacks for the start of the regular season.
How Much Does Xavien Howard Make?
Xavien Howard earns a yearly salary of $18,000,000. Howard’s base salary in 2022 will be $1,035,000, with a signing bonus of $17,115,000 and a workout bonus of $100,000.