The Phinsider
Continuing our annual review of the Miami Dolphins’ soon-to-be free agents with a closer look at defensive back Elijah Campbell.
The next edition of our annual look at the Miami Dolphins’ soon-to-be free agents is here, and today’s discussion may be a fun one. The first three players we have discussed were special teams and depth options for the team. Today, we turn to a defensive starter who looked like he was headed toward elite status in the league in 2023, but maybe regressed in 2024. What should the Dolphins do with safety Jevon Holland?
Miami has 32 players who may become free agents on March 12 when the new league year begins and 2024 contracts roll over to 2025. We are working our way through the list of players with contracts set to expire, breaking down how they played in 2024, what could be on the horizon in 2025, and giving you a chance to weigh in on whether Miami should re-sign the player, use the franchise or transition tag on him, or let him leave in free agency.
Holland entered 2024 with a lot of hype and pretty high expectations. He now heads into the 2025 offseason with a lot of questions surrounding his play and if he even still has a role with the team.
Position: Safety
Age (when season begins): 25
Draft: 2021 second-round (36th overall) pick by the Miami Dolphins
Experience: 4 years
Previous Teams:
Pro Bowls/All-Pro: None
Awards: 2021 Pro-Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team
4-year, $8.7 million ($10.2 million with earned bonuses)
15 games played (15 starts)
62 tackles
1 sack
4 passes defensed
1 forced fumble
Holland was a Pro Bowl snub after the 2023 season, but in 2024, he just never seemed to flash to the same level. He was asked to play more of a deep, free safety type of role more often, which could account for some of the change in his play - losing some of the blitzing and in-box support he had previously played. He was the savior for the team in Week 1, punching the ball loose from Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne at the goal line to force the turnover and secure the Dolphins’ win. But, that really proved to be Holland’s highlight of the year. Holland has all the potential to become one of the best safeties in the league, but 2024 may have hurt his chances of returning to the Dolphins.
Holland, if he hits the open market, should draw a lot of interest. He is a starting safety, likely entering the prime of his career, and he could quickly return to a Pro Bowl level of play. The 2024 season could be an aberration, and teams will be betting on that. Pro Football Focus has Holland listed as their third-ranked free agent in...
