Jalen Ramsey Sounds Off As Dolphins Plan to Release Xavien Howard
Jalen Ramsey didn’t mince words Friday when it was reported the Miami Dolphins plan to release cornerback Xavien Howard ahead of the new league year.
Ramsey, who arrived in Miami after the Dolphins traded for him last March, was teammates with Howard for one season. The two cornerbacks played seven games together, as Ramsey debuted in Week 8 after recovering from a torn meniscus, and Howard battled groin and foot injuries throughout the year.
In a social media post Friday, Ramsey called Howard the greatest cornerback in Miami history before appearing to throw shade toward one former member of the Dolphins organization.
“I won’t ever forgive dude for not utilizing our full skill set,” Ramsey wrote.
Shid be crazy how stuff plays out sometimes but 1 thing ikno fa sho is that it was an honor teaming up with the GREATEST corner in @MiamiDolphins History in my opinion… ❌????
— Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey) February 23, 2024
(I won’t ever forgive dude for not utilizing our full skillset!) pic.twitter.com/yoYlTLcnP6
Ramsey turned replies off for the post, but many NFL fans assume the cornerback was referring to former Dolphins defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
Fangio, who was hired as the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive coordinator in January, mutually parted ways with the Dolphins after their season ended with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the wild-card round.
The Dolphins had the 10th-best defense in yards allowed per game (318.3) but surrendered the 11th-most points per contest (23.0).
“When we assessed the season, it became apparent that this was the best path forward for all involved,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said of parting ways with Fangio in a statement. “Now, we turn to 2024 and beyond with urgency as we identify the best candidate to lead our defense moving forward.”
Ramsey has two years remaining on his contract. Howard will become an unrestricted free agent after spending the first eight seasons of his career in Miami.
"The one thing I've always known is the NFL is a business," Howard said on Friday [via All Dolphins]. "It was a hell of a ride and I'm appreciative to the Dolphins for everything. This ain't stopping nothing. I'll be back and better."