Miami Dolphins sending message to GM Chris Grier to improve roster, bring back key players
MIAMI GARDENS — Xavien Howard is tired of the losing. He's tired of all the flash and no substance when stakes are the highest.
He's tired of the season ending either after one playoff game, or no playoffs at all.
"I'm tired of just going to the playoffs and not winning," the Miami Dolphins cornerback said. "I've been here eight years, third time going to the playoffs. I want to win them games, you know?"
Howard, 30, is the Dolphins longest tenured player but his production has dropped significantly the last two years, mainly due to injuries. He's signed through 2026 with a $25.9 million cap number. He was inactive for five games this season, including Miami's 26-7 loss Saturday at Kansas City in the AFC Wild Card game, the coldest game in Dolphins' history.
That loss extended the Dolphins streak without a playoff win 23 years, the longest among all teams in the four major sports.
Now, he's one of a large number of players whose future with the team is uncertain.
"My eight years here, I made the best of it," Howard said Monday as he and his teammates cleaned out their lockers.
"If this year is the last year and I have to say goodbye to some of the guys here, I definitely understand, it's a part of the business. No matter what, I'm still going to do my thing."
Even if Howard returns, that locker room is expected to look much different. Decisions have to be made on veterans such as Howard and 24 unrestricted free agents.
Then there is the biggest decision of them all on whether to extend quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
"Hopefully they get some stuff around here that can help us go to the Super Bowl," Howard said.
Here is what some of those other players are saying:
Offensive tackle Terron Armstead is a five-time Pro Bowler, most recently in 2023. Armstead is signed through 2026 but called 2023 one of the "most challenging years" in his career.
"I never make any decisions right after the season," Armstead, 32, said when asked if retirement is an option. "I always take my time … that's been my approach the last three offseasons. It will be same."
He later added, "Once I stop having fun with it I'll be done with it. I'm having a blast. I love what we're building. I'm chasing a ring that's the only reason I'm playing, I want to win a Super Bowl."
Armstead sends message to Dolphins GM Chris Grier
Armstead also sent a message to General Manager Chris Grier. He said bringing back free-agent offensive linemen Robert Hunt and Connor Williams should be a "no-brainer" decision. And doubled down on that take when asked about Tagovailoa.
"Same thing I said about Rob Hunt and Connor, it's a no-brainer," he said. "I got all the faith in the world in Tua. He's going to get better this offseason. He's going to be a better quarterback than he was this year. He's going to be better next year."
Guard Robert Hunt has emerged as one of the best young players at his position in the league. Hunt, 27, is an unrestricted free agent and has made it clear he hopes to return.
"We talked a little bit," he said. "We'll see how it goes. It's a business. I definitely want to be a part of this situation that's going on.
"I play this game not just because of free agency and what I can get from it. I play this game so I can be the best. And I haven't got a Pro Bowl, I haven't got an All Pro. That's what I'm chasing, I'm chasing to be great in this game."
More: Detroit Lions' success leaves Dolphins alone, frustrated by playoff futility | Habib
Wilkins, Davis, Van Ginkel among unrestricted free agents
The list goes on: defensive tackles Christian Wilkins and Raekwon Davis, linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, safety DeShon Elliott, offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn, receivers Cedrick Wilson Jr. and Braxton Berrios are among the unrestricted free agents.
Safety Jevon Holland was asked what is next for the Dolphins.
"That's a good question," he said. "Obviously we're going to need people back in order to continue to be successful. I mean, that's kind of a priority number one, but if we don't have our guys, then we've kind of got to restart."
Tom D'Angelo is a sports columnist, reporter at the Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at tdangelo@pbpost.com. Follow him on social media @tomdangelo44.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins sending message to GM Chris Grier to bring back key players
