Jevon Holland wasn’t feeling appreciated on Valentine’s Day. The Dolphins’ safety and soon-to-be free agent noticed that Miami’s social media team left him out of a recent Instagram post celebrating the holiday. He interpreted this as a sign he might be on his way out. “Honestly, seeing posts like the Valentine’s Day cards or other edits, you notice the absence of guys who might not be around next year,” Holland mentioned on his Breakin’ House Rules podcast.
“So I’m following them on Instagram, right, and I see I’m not included in any of this stuff anymore. It seems like they’ve moved on.” The controversial post included 11 Valentine’s cards featuring 12 Dolphins players, with Holland clearly missing. He did, however, acknowledge the reasoning behind his exclusion. “I understand,” he remarked. “I would make the same call if I were in that position. But from my viewpoint, it’s like, I get it, but okay, this is part of being a free agent.”
Of course, a team’s social media department isn’t always privy to the front office’s plans. Whether it’s caution or just easier to use someone like Jaylen Waddle for jokes, the Dolphins aren’t ruling out keeping Holland around. NFL Network’s Judy Battista highlighted him as a player to watch during the franchise tag window. The Dolphins might extend Holland’s contract before the free-agent negotiating period opens on March 10, or they could re-sign him after he explores the market. However, retaining a safety of Holland’s level could prove challenging.
Miami is only $1.6 million under the salary cap, worse than all but five NFL teams currently over it. Although Holland has been an exciting player, he struggled this past season, particularly in pass coverage, experiencing his first interception-free year and a career-low 57.1 PFF coverage grade. Nonetheless, he is likely to command a substantial contract, especially given the resurgence of the safety market.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made Antoine Winfield Jr. the highest-paid defensive back with his March 2024 deal, while the Green Bay Packers offered Xavier McKinney $16.8 million annually during the same free agency period, and the Arizona Cardinals secured Budda Baker with a three-year, $54 million extension on Dec. 17. The position’s value is on the rise.
Holland, with 301 career tackles, 25 passes defensed, five forced fumbles, five sacks, and five interceptions, including a pick-six, spoke casually about his deductions from the Dolphins’ social media, showing no signs of resentment. While open to returning, he is eager for what’s ahead in the coming weeks. “I’m excited. It’s already Year 5,” he expressed.
“It’s kind of crazy. I’m 24, almost 25, it’s cool. It’s almost unreal, you know, whether I stay or join a new team. But if I do move, having only been with Oregon and Miami, it’s like, those are all I know. I’ve been fortunate to be with good organizations, first with the Ducks and then with Miami. It’s nerve-wracking, wondering if I’ll make the wrong choice, but I just need to trust myself.”
