Perhaps of interest to the Indianapolis Colts, the Miami Dolphins will not be using the franchise tag on safety Jevon Holland, according to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network.
Holland is considered by many as the top free agent safety in this year’s class, and the Colts, of course, have a major need at that position.
Holland has spent his first four NFL seasons with the Dolphins as a former second-round pick and is still not even 25 years old yet.
By PFF’s metrics, Holland has steadily graded out as a good run defender and over the course of his career, he’s been a sound tackler as well.
In coverage, he’s allowed a career completion rate of 67%, which includes two seasons below 61%, and 12.5 yards per catch, along with six interceptions and 16 pass breakups.
Holland would immediately fill the Colts’ free safety role.
“This is a guy who was a three-time captain in Miami and an explosive playmaker,” said Wolfe. “The last year and a half he’s been banged up, hasn’t played his best ball, but somebody’s going to get a guy, under 25, still ready to make that playmaking ability.”
Dolphins not expected to put the franchise tag on safety Jevón Holland putting him on track to test free agency as top player at his position, barring any surprises.
For @nflnetwork The Insiders nuggets on Holland, Terron Armstead, Tyreek Hill & interesting #Dolphins offseason: pic.twitter.com/OzsosJfg7t
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) February 19, 2025
Not only at safety, but in the secondary as a whole, the Colts need improved play this season. As GM Chris Ballard said, they have to get better.
The Colts pass defense in 2024 ranked in the bottom-third of the NFL in completion rate, yards per pass attempt, passer rating, and pass deflections.
But another part of this equation for the Colts and what may result in them having to address the safety position in free agency is that Lou Anarumo’s defense, which requires versatility and the ability to disguise coverages, puts a lot on the plate of the safety position.
So having an experienced presence like Holland on the back end to quarterback things, so to speak, could prove to be quite valuable as the Colts transition to a new scheme.
However, in order to land Holland, Ballard has to be willing to offer a hefty contract. His past production, experience, and age is going to result in a big pay day for him with a number of teams interested.
Pro Football Focus is currently projecting that Holland lands a four-year deal worth $98 million. The Colts rank 18th, according to Over the Cap, in salary cap space with just over $28 million–although they have the ability to create quite a bit more room if needed.