Dolphins plan to bring back Howard, James

But prospects remain uncertain regarding QB Tannehill, DE Wake

INDIANAPOLIS — The Miami Dolphins want Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard to remain with the team despite its rebuild and his pursuit of a lucrative contract extension.

The Dolphins also plan to engage in contract discussions with free agents like starting right tackle Ja’Wuan James, who spent the past five seasons in Miami, and longtime defensive end Cameron Wake, who has spent his past 10 seasons with the team.

The Dolphins’ stance on quarterback Ryan Tannehill, however, remains non-committal at best.

Dolphins general manager Chris Grier and new coach Brian Flores did not have a strong stance on Tannehill’s future with the franchise as the NFL combine kicked off at Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center and on Wednesday.

“Obviously we’ve made some evaluations, but we’ve still got time to make those decisions,” said Flores, referring to the new league year which begins on March 13.

“Having played against Ryan, he’s had some success against me personally,” Flores continued with a lighthearted laugh. “He’s done a really good job, but those things are in process right now. We haven’t made any final decisions. Everything is on the table. Chris and I are aligned on that.”

Tannehill, Miami’s starting quarterback since being drafted as a first-round pick in 2012, has led the Dolphins to a 42-46 record in six of seven seasons he has played in with the team.

The Dolphins will likely try to shop Tannehill this week during the combine in a trade for a potential pick in April’s NFL draft. If the Dolphins are unsuccessful, Tannehill could likely be released with a post-June 1 designation that could clear $18.75 million in cap space.

If the Dolphins indeed move on from Tannehill, they will likely continue their search for a potential franchise-changing quarterback during this combine.

“We’re getting there, and once we make a decision organizational-wise, we’ll move forward,” said Grier, who mentioned he has had meetings with Flores, new offensive coordinator Chad O’Shea and new quarterbacks coach Jim Caldwell regarding Tannehill.

As for players the Dolphins chose to be committed toward in the future, Grier said he is “very confident” Howard will be with the team moving forward.

Howard — who tied for the league-lead with seven interceptions last season, earning his first Pro Bowl appearance — is seeking a contract extension that could make him one of the top-paid cornerbacks in the NFL, earning around $14-15 million annually. He is eligible for an extension after completing his third season in the league.

“Just hanging around him, he wants to be a Miami Dolphin and we want him to be a Dolphin,” Grier said of Howard.

James, the Dolphins’ starting right tackle since being their first-round pick in 2014, is a free agent who could command anywhere from $8-9 million annually in a new deal. James was the highest-paid right tackle in the NFL last season, earning $9.3 million.

James has served as an offensive line anchor, along with left tackle Laremy Tunsil, and could be an ideal building block for the Dolphins offense in the future.

Grier says the Dolphins will engage in contract talks with James following the combine. James just got married last weekend.

“We drafted him here, and he’s a good, young player. We’d like to have him here. And we’ll see what the market [is] and what he’s looking for as well.”

Wake, who will likely be enshrined in the Dolphins’ Ring of Honor following his career, expressed interest to continue playing during last season.

But how Wake fits in Flores’ new defensive scheme, and how much he is willing to negotiate with the Dolphins despite earning a base salary of $8 million last season remains to be seen.

“Right now with the roster with Brian, we’re going through everything,” Grier said of Wake.

“He’s been a Dolphin. He’s been a tremendous player for us. So we’ll see where that is right now and we’ll have conversations with him and his agent, obviously.”