The Miami Dolphins face tough decisions in the defensive backfield.
Jevon Holland’s four-year career with the Miami Dolphins couldn’t have started better, but he’s now on the verge of free agency after a challenging 2024 campaign.
A 2021 second-round pick, Holland started 13 games as a rookie and set career highs in passes defended (ten), quarterback hits (seven), and sacks (2.5). However, after two regime changes on defense, there are questions about whether he’s still the right fit for a franchise entering the offseason $12 million over the salary cap.
“I do [want to stay in Miami], but I’m also open to the possibility of being somewhere,” Holland said on the Breakin’ House Rules podcast with NFL Network’s Cam Wolfe. “I wouldn’t hate the idea of coming back, I wouldn’t hate the idea of leaving. … I’m really not stressed about anything. Like, whatever ends up happening is gonna happen for a reason.”
Despite Miami’s defense ranking sixth-best in yards allowed, Holland’s contributions dipped significantly. He set career lows in tackles (62) and passes defended (four) while failing to record an interception for the first time. Holland started 15 games but was on the injury report with hand and knee injuries throughout the year. All that said, he’s still the No. 1 defensive player on PFF’s Free Agency tracker.
The Dolphins face another offseason of tough decisions with limited cap space and more than a few holes to fill throughout the roster. Considering Holland and the Dolphins couldn’t reach a deal last summer, it makes sense for both sides to test free agency.
“We had conversations throughout the summer with Jevon and his agent,” general manager Chris Grier said on Jan. 7. “Jevon’s been a good player here, watched him grow both on and off the field as a person. You guys have gotten to see his personality, too, here. We put those on hold once the season started.
“Both sides agreed let’s just let him focus, focus on the year. We’re going to go through everything like we always do and talk through this year and see what happens here in the offseason.”
The Dolphins have a handful of moving parts in the secondary this offseason with safety Jordan Poyer and nickel cornerback Kader Kohou set to become free agents. Seven-time Pro Bowler Jalen Ramsey had five pass breakups and two interceptions as Miami’s top cornerback, but moving him to safety is a long-term option to consider when addressing gaps in the secondary.
Let us know what you think — would it be wise to prioritize Holland’s stability in the secondary, even with cap constraints, or is it time for the Dolphins to explore other options at safety?
