It's franchise tag season, where each NFL team has until March 4th to put a tag on a potential free agent they'd like to keep. A team can put a tag on one player each offseason, preventing them from becoming an unrestricted free agent and keeping them for an additional year. For the Indianapolis Colts, this doesn't mean much, as there aren't a huge number of free agents they would be likely to tag. But they were just handed a golden opportunity for a player to pursue in free agency.
The NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe reported that the Miami Dolphins will not be exercising the tag option on star safety Jevon Holland, who is set to be a free agent.
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.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) February 19, 2025
For @nflnetwork The Insiders nuggets on Holland, Terron Armstead, Tyreek Hill & interesting #Dolphins offseason: pic.twitter.com/OzsosJfg7t
This is not entirely surprising, as the Dolphins seemingly cannot afford to tag Holland, who seems to understand that, whether it's in Miami or elsewhere, his future in the NFL is still secure.
Holland was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, with his rookie contract just now winding to a close. Overall, he has been a strong player, though the change in Miami's defensive scheme set him back during the 2024 season, which has been his worst yet. But even at his worst, Holland is still a good safety, and that's something that the Colts need right now.
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Right now, the only reliable safety the Colts have is Nick Cross. They are in desperate need of more depth at this position, particularly considering they may be losing Julian Blackmon to free agency. A safety who can pair well with Cross is a top need for Indianapolis, and it would be a no-brainer for them to sign Jevon Holland.
Holland has had five interceptions, five forced fumbles, five sacks, and 301 total tackles through his first four years in the NFL. He's a versatile player who can defend against the run, is a reliable tackler, and has great instincts; he's considered a top tier free agent for teams to pursue in 2025 for a reason, after all. Holland joining Lou Anarumo's defense in Indianapolis would be utterly brilliant, and the Colts shouldn't let him slip away to be signed by another team.