Las Vegas Raiders: 3 trade scenarios for CB Xavien Howard

The Las Vegas Raiders still have major question marks at cornerback, an issue that would be cleared up in a second by adding Xavien Howard.

Superstar cornerback for the Miami Dolphins, Xavien Howard, has made it clear he is unhappy in his situation. The 28-year-old player still in his prime has requested a pay raise or a trade and the Dolphins are unwilling to offer more money, but could the Las Vegas Raiders make a move?

It’s few and far between that a superstar player in their prime has publicly said he’s on the open market, but Howard has made it clear he has no plans of backing down from a pay raise. Posted to his Instagram, the NFL media shared it all around Twitter.

Howard signed a 5-year/$75 million extension in 2019 with an average of $15 million a year. While many have scoffed at this, Howard makes his case. Since 2017, he’s had the most interceptions with 22, he held opposing quarterbacks to just above a 30 QB rating all season last year, he defended 20 passes and intercepted 10 passes, both NFL highs, and returned four picks for a touchdown.

Compelling is an understatement.

Not only did he individually have a good season, the Dolphins defense overall had one of the best seasons too. In 2020, the ‘Fins were ranked 3rd in overall scoring defense giving up just 18 points a game and first on third-down conversions. with an opposing success rate of just 30%, and lastly, the passing defense gave up just 230 yards per game. To say Howard wasn’t a big part of why would be crazy.

This being said, a young player in his prime who is a superstar, what would the cost be? Would teams be willing to pay the high price? Or, could a team with a top-flight offense trade an offensive player for the rare player-for-player trade?

Here are three ways the Raiders can get the young cornerback.