Phin Phanatic
FanSided

Dolphins’ Byron Maxwell could be mentoring his replacement

By Derric Turner

Nov 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Maxwell (41) celebrates after the final play of the game against the Los Angeles Rams, a Hail Mary in there end zone at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. On the turf is Los Angeles Rams tight end Lance Kendricks (88). The Dolphins came from behind to score a 14-10 win. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Maxwell (41) celebrates after the final play of the game against the Los Angeles Rams, a Hail Mary in there end zone at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. On the turf is Los Angeles Rams tight end Lance Kendricks (88). The Dolphins came from behind to score a 14-10 win. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

After Day 2 of OTAs, Byron Maxwell answered several questions about Miami’s 2017 NFL Draft picks, including questions about mentoring 3rd round pick, Cordrea Tankersley.

“What was your reaction when you saw that they (Miami) drafted a cornerback early, when you guys already have four that are veteran starters?” asked Omar Kelly, a writer for the Sun Sentinel. Jokingly, Maxwell stated, “he’s from Clemson, so I was happy.” Then he goes on to state that to build a defense that wins in the NFL, you always need defensive linemen and cornerbacks.

Cordrea Tankersley and Byron Maxwell both attended Clemson University. For that reason, Maxwell watches their football games on a regular basis, and he has already done a bit of film study on the rookie cornerback. “He showed up. He always popped. He has great ball skills, and always found the ball” Maxwell said.

In his mentorship, Maxwell made it a point to say that he will help Tankersley, whether it’s bouncing ideas off of him, or doing things off the field to help him get better. “So yeah, I definitely will help him. I feel like it’s my job.” Maxwell said.

Now to this business side of things.

Byron Maxwell will earn $8.5 million this season. In 2018, his salary will be $10 million. Miami will have several options next year when it comes to Maxwell’s contract. The Dolphins can release him after the season, ask him to take a pay cut, or possibly even attempt for a trade before the deadline.

To be honest, I was hoping for the Dolphins to try to trade Byron Maxwell during, or before, the 2017 NFL Draft. The first reason is because of the depth that the draft had on the defensive side between rounds 2-5; and the second is because I do not think he is worth his contract and there is equal talent on the roster already.

Tony Lippett started to show his progression and hold his weight on the boundary last year. When healthy, Xavien Howard played well on the outside. He started 6 of 7 games that he played in the regular season, accumulating 40 combined tackles in his first 4 games as a rookie. Slot cornerback and a key special team contributor, Bobby McCain, is not a threat to the outside competition.

Tankersley may not come in and make an impact immediately, or at all in his first season. He has good size, better skill sets than Maxwell, and he is also faster. In 2016; he only allowed one pass over 30-plus yards and allowed one touchdown. He will eventually cause some noise in the CB group for the Dolphins soon.

In the National Finance League money trumps most decisions. Unless you’re an elite superstar. Byron Maxwell is not an elite superstar. With his contract increasing to $10 million next year, and Cordrea Tankersley’s total four-year deal is worth $3.17 million, Maxwell will not be playing for the Miami Dolphins in 2018 without a breakout 2017 season.

What do you believe is the best way for the Miami Dolphins to approach Byron Maxwell’s contract for the 2017-2018 seasons?

Home/Dolphins News