As the NFL franchise and transition tag period approaches, the Miami Dolphins are faced with a significant decision regarding safety Jevon Holland. Coming off a solid fourth season, Holland, a 2021 second-round draft pick, may be tagged to prevent him from hitting the free agent market where he could command a lucrative deal. Last season, the Dolphins let fellow standout Christian Wilkins go, a decision influenced by salary cap constraints. The upcoming tagging costs are substantial, with the franchise tag for safeties estimated at $19.6 million. Given Miami's current $12 million cap overage, they may opt for a more strategic approach, potentially leading to a repeat scenario from last year.

Las Vegas Raiders have turned the page under new head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek, yet they continue to maintain stability on the coaching staff by retaining Patrick Graham as their defensive coordinator for a fourth season. Graham, who has previously served under coaches Josh McDaniels and Antonio Pierce, will guide the defense into the 2025 season, marking his seventh year in this role across various teams, including the Miami Dolphins and New York Giants.

Last season, the Raiders struggled defensively, ranking 25th in scoring defense and dealing with significant injuries, particularly to Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins. With top tackler Robert Spillane facing free agency, Graham's return may play a crucial role in retaining key defensive players.

The Miami Dolphins are considering Georgia safety Malaki Starks as a possible pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but they have larger needs to address with their 13th overall selection. The focus should be on bolstering the offensive and defensive lines, rather than reaching for a safety. The team has struggled with tough yards, indicating a pressing need for offensive linemen. The defensive line also needs reinforcement, especially with multiple key players potentially hitting free agency.

Examining recent playoff performances highlights the importance of dominating the trenches. Both the NFC and AFC Championship games showcased how pivotal line play is for success. The Dolphins should aim to replicate successful past picks, like Christian Wilkins, to shape a more robust roster. While safety depth poses a concern, the team must prioritize positions that significantly influence the game’s outcome.

Miami Dolphins' general manager Chris Grier has established a reputation for his success in the first and second rounds of the NFL Draft, but the team's performance diminishes significantly in the later rounds. As the Dolphins prepare for the upcoming draft, which is set to take place in Green Bay, their draft strategy will be crucial. With the potential of acquiring up to 10 picks, including compensatory selections for free agency losses, the Dolphins aim to build depth and address key positional needs.

Among the top priorities for Miami are finding a reliable backup quarterback and upgrading the offensive line, particularly at guard. Defensively, the team is looking for better performance from their safeties and is in need of a strong presence on the interior defensive line. Additionally, the running game has struggled, and the Dolphins seek a versatile back to take pressure off quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

The Miami Dolphins face a challenging offseason with over two dozen players headed for unrestricted free agency, but safety Jevon Holland emerges as a key figure. While defensive lineman Calais Campbell is also noteworthy, Holland’s youth, performance, and potential make him the most sought-after player. The question remains: how much will he command on the open market, and can the Dolphins retain him? General Manager Chris Grier’s recent comments suggest the team is open to discussions but won’t aggressively pursue an extension, possibly leading to Holland testing free agency.

To secure Holland, the Dolphins might consider the franchise or transition tag, which carries hefty cap implications. With the team already over the salary cap, it’s likely they will only keep him at a favorable price, mirroring past decisions regarding Christian Wilkins and Robert Hunt. Holland himself has expressed a willingness to explore opportunities, eyeing a significant deal similar to Jessie Bates III’s recent contract. His strong national reputation underscores that losing him could create a notable void in the Dolphins' secondary.