Buffalo Bills: Ranking the cornerbacks of the AFC East

3) Miami Dolphins

Projected Starters: Xavien Howard, Byron Jones, Noah Igbinoghene

The Miami Dolphins were serious about upgrading their secondary in the offseason and they did just that. So much money has been thrown around during the offseason in South Beach and the Miami Dolphins spent a lot on their defense. Arguably the most prized free agent was former Dallas Cowboy cornerback Byron Jones. The Dolphins made him the highest paid cornerback in the league by signing him to a 5 year deal worth $82.5 million with $57 million of that guaranteed, and included $40 million in the first two years.

With the acquisition of Jones, it gives the Dolphins a high caliber tandem at the position because opposite of Jones will be his new teammate, Xavien Howard. Prior to Jones’ arrival, Howard was the highest paid cornerback in the league thanks to a fantastic 2018 season that saw him record 7 interceptions, 12 passes defended and a fumble recovery over 12 games.

Because of that performance, the Dolphins awarded him with a 5 year, $75.25 million contract extension during the 2019 offseason. Unfortunately, the injury bug came knocking and the Dolphins had to shut Howard down for the remainder of the season after he suffered a knee injury in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He should be all ready to go when the 2020 season kicks off which will be a huge relief for head coach Brian Flores.

In this years NFL Draft, with the 30th overall pick and third first round selection, the Dolphins selected cornerback Noah Igbinoghene out of Aurburn. This selection strengthens an already solid secondary. In what looks to be one of the most improved rosters in the NFL, the Dolphins secondary can be considered to be near the top. The injury that Xavien Howard sustained last season and how he performs coming back from that injury keeps them at number three on this list.