DAVIE, Fla. -- Tanking speculation buzzed around the Miami Dolphins this offseason, but on the 9th day of May, general manager Chris Grier sent an emphatic message about the direction of his team by agreeing to sign cornerback Xavien Howard to a five-year, $76.5 million extension.
Word is already spreading through Miami's locker room that the new era Dolphins' way is to take care of their own. In other words: ball out, handle your job the right way and you will get paid. The Dolphins are building toward something and signing the team's best player and defensive cornerstone to a record-setting, long-term deal is a strong step for the franchise.