Cowboys Trade For CB Xavien Howard? Source Explains Dallas' 'No Deal'

OXNARD, Calif. - The Dallas Cowboys have long-recognized the need to invest in their cornerback room. Does that mean, regarding a trade for disgruntled Miami Dolphins standout corner Xavien Howard, that it's being worked on?

No. It means Dallas believes it did the needed work the last two Aprils.

The Cowboys entered camp here in Oxnard with many thinking they have a need at the position. But team management has three takes on where Dallas is now at the position, as a source guides us:

1) We've made our investment. Trevon Diggs is at one corner. He was a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Rookies Kelvin Joseph and Nahshon Wright, respectively, are competing at the other corner. Not counting another second-year prospect, Reggie Robinson, that means three premium picks used at the position in 13 months. ... all of course on cheap rookie contracts.

That's the investment. It helps the reasoning that the group is performing well here at training camp in Oxnard. That's no promise that one of these "thrown darts'' is going to become a Pro Bowler. But that's the goal of the investment.

2) The salary is exorbitant. Howard, just two years ago, signed a Miami deal totaling $75 million over five years ... And now he wants a new contract.

Is the 28-year-old Texas native worth, say, $20 mil APY? At this time and place, Dallas' answer is "no.''

3) The 'Double-Cost' cannot be stomached. Cowboys management has on occasion "paid double'' for a player; that is, give him the big money after trading for him utilizing a premium draft pick.

That's two payments.

If a player is that special and the need is that glaring and the cap is that open? A team should do it. But Xavien Howard to Dallas? Team management is, right or wrong, telling you these are the three reasons the Cowboys are saying "no.''