The Miami Dolphins have no intention of using the franchise tag to retain safety Jevón Holland and their plan is to allow him to become a free agent next month, according to Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network.
“It’s not a surprise given their cap situation,” Wolfe said in an appearance on The Insiders. “They have a lot of needs elsewhere and not as much money to spend it on. Jevón Holland is listed as the top safety on a lot of people’s boards. He’s gonna get a chance to test that market and see where he can cash in big time on a potential new pay day.
“This is a guy who was a three-time captain in Miami, an explosive playmaker. Last year and a half, he’s been banged up. Hasn’t played his best ball. But somebody is going to get a guy, under 25, still ready to make that playmaking ability. For the Dolphins, they’re going to have to fill potentially two starting safety positions.”
Holland, who turns 25 in March, was a second round pick in the 2021 NFL draft and has started 57 games since taking over a starting role in his rookie year. He has five career interceptions, five forced fumbles, five sacks, and nine tackles for loss.
But after a stellar 2023, Holland posted a career-worst 63.0 grade on Pro Football Focus in his interception-free 2024.
Holland is expected to receive a deal on the free agency market worth upwards of $20 million per year. That could earn the Dolphins a third-round compensatory selection in the 2026 NFL draft.