ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that the Miami Dolphins are still unlikely to place the franchise tag on safety Jevon Holland before the league’s Tuesday deadline.
This aligns with earlier reports suggesting the Dolphins were hesitant to use the tag, and with this latest update, it seems increasingly likely that Holland will hit the open market, where he’s expected to be one of the top free agents available.
Part of Miami’s decision comes down to limited salary cap space this offseason, meaning the team will need to make several roster moves in the coming weeks to free up money and reshape their roster.
Tagging Holland would have cost the Dolphins $18.6 million in fully guaranteed salary for the 2025 season — a significant price for a team already facing cap challenges.
Holland, 24, played college football at Oregon, where he was a two-year starter before opting out of the 2020 season. The Dolphins selected him with the 36th overall pick in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
He’s currently in the final year of his rookie contract, a four-year deal worth $8.7 million, which included a signing bonus of just under $3.7 million. Once his contract expires, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent.
During the 2024 season, Holland played in 15 games for Miami, totaling 62 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, four passes defended, and one forced fumble.
Holland is currently listed among the Top 100 free agents for 2025, making him a player to watch as the offseason unfolds.