Of interest to Colts? Dolphins 'not expected' to franchise tag S Jevon Holland
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.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
23 minutes ago
- USA Today
Jalen Ramsey trade rumors: Dolphins CB not expected at mandatory minicamp
Jalen Ramsey trade rumors: Dolphins CB not expected at mandatory minicamp Show Caption Hide Caption Greg Olsen expresses excitement for upcoming Olympic flag football Former TE Greg Olsen is excited for some NFL players to showcase their skills in the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics and the debut of flag football. Sports Seriously The Miami Dolphins and Jalen Ramsey mutually agreed to seek a trade for the veteran cornerback a couple of weeks ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. Ramsey remains on Miami's roster nearly two months later, but it appears the two parties are still planning to split before the 2025 season. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports Ramsey is not planning to attend the Dolphins' mandatory minicamp this week as the two parties "continue to work towards a trade." Miami's minicamp will run from June 10-12. If Ramsey does not attend, he will be subject to a fine for each day he misses. According to Spotrac, a player fine will be a maximum of $17,462 for the first day absent, $34,925 for the second day and $52,381 for missing a third day. The NFL's new CBA only allows fines to be forgiven on rookie deals, so it doesn't appear Miami will be able to waive any fines assessed to Ramsey. JALEN RAMSEY LANDING SPOTS: Rams, Raiders among best fits if Dolphins trade CB Ramsey has four years remaining on his contract with the Dolphins, as the three-year, $72.3 million extension he signed with the team on eve of the 2024 NFL season still hasn't kicked in yet. He is set to have a cap hit of just under $16.7 million this season while taking home $25.1 million in cash, per The Dolphins will be able to split any dead-cap hit – guaranteed money already paid to a player no longer on the team – associated with trading or releasing Ramsey over two seasons because the NFL's June 1 deadline has passed. Making it palatable for Miami to trade Ramsey, as it would take manageable dead-cap hits of roughly $10.75 million in 2025 and $18.5 million in 2026 while creating $5.9 million in space for the upcoming season. Releasing Ramsey would be more penal. The Dolphins would take on just under a $31 million dead-cap hit this season – which would cost them $14.3 million in present-day cap space – while still absorbing a dead-cap blow of $18.5 million next season. It isn't clear whether the Dolphins are willing to release Ramsey if they can't find a willing trade partner.
USA Today
30 minutes ago
- USA Today
Former Patriots players congratulate David Andrews in heartfelt tribute video
Former Patriots players congratulate David Andrews in heartfelt tribute video Former members of the New England Patriots congratulated center David Andrews on his retirement earlier this week. They delivered their messages in a video posted by the team on social media. Andrews officially retired after 10 seasons in the NFL. He was a cornerstone of the Patriots' offensive line throughout his career and a longtime team captain. He won two Super Bowls with the team and established himself as one of the franchise's all-time greats. The team held a retirement press conference in his honor. It was a celebratory afternoon for many, as warm wishes and familiar faces made appearances on the day. Many former Patriots players, including legendary quarterback Tom Brady, appeared in a tribute video congratulating Andrews on a great career. 'David! Congratulations, my man. Welcome to the other side,' Brady said. "You couldn't have had a better career. You were not only a great teammate, but you are a champion. Playing that center position for our team all those years. As you know, the heart and soul of any great team is the offensive line, and you were the leader. You were right in the middle.' Former legendary tight end Rob Gronkowski also gave a shout-out to Andrews in the video. Gronkowski said, 'David Andrews, before we get into your career, I just want to say how good you looked when I saw you the other day. 'Your leadership, toughness you brought to the table and most importantly, your consistency as a player, was remarkable. You're a standup player on the field and off the field, buddy. I'm glad I was there from the beginning to see you develop into the anchor that you were on the offensive line.' Andrews is undoubtedly a legend in his own right and a future Patriots Hall of Famer. Like so many others, no matter where life takes him, he will always be a Patriot. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
San Francisco Chronicle
34 minutes ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
South Florida pro sports teams are inspired by the success of the Florida Panthers
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Jaylen Waddle considers himself the Florida Panthers' good luck charm. The Miami Dolphins wide receiver has been to several Panthers hockey games over the years. He banged the drum before a postseason matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning last season. He cheered on coach Paul Maurice's team after a thrilling overtime win over Tampa Bay this year. By Waddle's estimation, whenever he's in the building, that equals a win for his favorite hockey team. 'I'm going to go to the finals,' Waddle quipped after a practice last week. "I think they need to invite me sometime soon in an important game, because I think they're pretty undefeated when I'm there. "Panthers – Hey, I'll be waiting.' The Panthers are in the Stanley Cup Final for the third straight year. They're three wins away from defending their 2024 title. The Panthers went from winning just 25 playoff games in their first 28 seasons combined to winning more than 40 — and counting — in the past three seasons. And their general manager, Bill Zito, has been in conversations for GM of the Year for several seasons after building title-contending rosters year after year. They're the pinnacle of success in South Florida, and other pro sports teams in the region have taken notice. Many are inspired by what the Panthers have built and use it as a blueprint for success. 'I think the Florida Panthers as an organization have done an unbelievable job of creating a sense of, 'We've been here before,' or a certain level of expectancy of performance,' Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said. 'All of those things, you can never have too many friendly reminders of what you're fighting for. There's nothing more motivating than watching people that really sacrifice hard earned monthly income to support athletic performance. You can feel it." The Dolphins were once that team for South Florida. Nearly 53 years ago, a fiery coach named Don Shula guided Miami to the NFL's only perfect season. Reminders of that dominant Dolphins era are still plastered throughout South Florida. But it's been a while since Miami has been such a powerhouse. The Dolphins went to the playoffs in each McDaniel's first two seasons in Miami. They missed them last year and have not won a postseason game since 2000 — the longest such streak in the NFL. Waddle and other Dolphins players, including standout defensive tackle Zach Sieler and linebacker Bradley Chubb have been to Panthers games recently. For them, watching a run like the Panthers' is just the motivation they need. 'They definitely bring an urge to the city,' Waddle said. 'Every professional sport in the city, it's just like they're pretty much the standard with all that they've accomplished over the past years. It's definitely like a fire under us to try to match them.' Before the Miami Marlins got ready for a midweek game against the San Francisco Giants last month, manager Clayton McCullough donned a bright red Florida Panthers hat. The first-year Marlins manager doesn't necessarily consider himself a huge hockey follower. He's only able to catch scores here and there. 'But I'm a fan now of our local Panthers team,' McCullough said. "I hope they can repeat as Stanley Cup champions." McCullough has been tasked with being a centerpiece of the Marlins' latest rebuild. Miami went 62-100 last season, dropping at least 100 games for the second time in six seasons. He knows what success looks like after winning the World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers as their first base coach last season. He said it's good for the entire city when one team is winning titles. "We're all part of a fabric here in the community," McCullough said. "When one team is doing well, it's great for the entire area, for South Florida, for them to be doing so well. And we hope too that we're making deep runs in September and October in the years to come. "The fanbase, they get galvanized by that, and we'd love to support all of our pro teams here that are successful.' Maurice and the Panthers players feel the support, and they have no problem sharing their triumphs. 'There's room for all of us down here. There's certainly enough people,' Maurice said. 'I think it's a great thing that you have sports that are foundational: football, basketball, baseball. And then the new sport, hockey. And there's room for everybody there. So how about we just share it? Share the spotlight, share all of it. ... There's room for everybody here. We're happy to be a part of it.'
