The Chicago Bears have a lot of holes to fill this offseason. With the trenches garnering most of the attention, there are a few positions that should be addressed—particularly at safety. In a surprising move, Bleacher Report has lists Miami Dolphins star safety Jevon Holland as a potential free agent target for the Bears.
Bleacher Report Names Jevon Holland a Surprise Free Agent Target for the Bears
Drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Jevon Holland has quickly developed into one of the league’s top free safeties. Although his performance has dipped slightly this season—recording 62 total tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and no interceptions—he still has a huge impact on the field. Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver emphasized Holland’s influence, stating:
“When he’s on the field, you certainly feel his impact even though it may not show up necessarily on the stat sheet. I think the games he’s missed, you can feel it. Particularly on our side of the ball on some of those plays where you thought if he would’ve been there, those plays would have been made. I love Jevon, I think he’s a heck of a player.”
It’s highly likely he’ll reach free agency, with the Dolphins currently in the negatives in cap space, while the Bears have around $80 million to use.
Jevon Holland single-handedly changed the momentum of this ball game with his effort.
PAY THIS MAN
#GoFinspic.twitter.com/J3uD4C3iuK
— Don Shula Corleone (@DonShulaCorleon) September 8, 2024
Why Signing Jevon Holland Makes Sense for the Bears
Jevon Holland will be 25 years old when the next season rolls around. He’s Bleacher Reports’ No. 5 free agent this offseason, and the Bears will have to address the safety position sooner rather than later. Here’s what Bleacher Report had to say regarding Holland signing with the Bears:
“Holland would be a sensible target for the Bears, who relied on 31-year-old Kevin Byard III this season. Byard is under contract through 2025, but Chicago could save $7 million in cap space by releasing him before free agency begins.”
Additionally, Jaquan Brisker’s recurring injuries have raised concerns about the Bears’ depth at safety. With Byard approaching the final year of his contract, it’s smart for Chicago to start looking for his eventual replacement.
Should the Bears release Byard? Probably not, as he’s performed surprisingly well this season. However, it wouldn’t hurt to address a key position now, especially with a proven talent like Holland.
Perhaps safety is a bigger need than people initially thought.
Read More: 20 Free Agents the Bears Should Keep an Eye On
Other Safety Options and Jevon Holland’s Projected Contract
Jevon Holland will be highly sought after in free agency due to his youth and proven experience. He will join a competitive market featuring veteran safeties like Justin Simmons, Tyrann Mathieu, Jordan Poyer, and Eric Murray, along with younger talents such as Andre Cisco, Camryn Bynum, Jason Pinnock, and Tony Adams.
Based on the free safety market right now, Holland falls around the $12-16 million annual salary range. If the Bears could snag him at the lower end of that spectrum, it’ll be a home-run signing for Chicago.
Projected Contract: 3 years, $40.5 million
Main Image: Daniel Bartel – USA Today Sports
The post Bleacher Report Lists Shocking Free Agent the Bears Should Target appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.