Dolphins Interested in Bringing Back 2 Defensive Players Set to Become Free Agents
As the Miami Dolphins prepare for another critical offseason, the team is reportedly focused on re-signing two key defensive players who are set to hit free agency. With their sights set on improving their roster and ensuring the defense remains a strength in the coming seasons, Miami has signaled their desire to retain these critical pieces of their defensive unit. These players are seen as integral parts of the team’s success, and bringing them back could help the Dolphins continue to build on their competitive edge in the AFC East.
Key Defensive Players Set to Become Free Agents
The two defensive players who are at the center of the Dolphins’ plans are Jevon Holland and Elandon Roberts. Both have been instrumental to the Dolphins’ defensive success over the past few seasons and have earned recognition for their leadership and playmaking ability.
Jevon Holland: The Emerging Star in the Secondary
One of the primary players the Dolphins are looking to retain is Jevon Holland, their standout safety. Since being drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Holland has quickly developed into one of the best young safeties in the league. His combination of ball skills, intelligence, and athleticism has made him a key player in the Dolphins’ secondary.
Holland’s ability to play both as a traditional safety and as a hybrid defensive back allows him to be extremely versatile. He is often tasked with playing centerfield, reading the quarterback, and making crucial interceptions, while also contributing as a box safety against the run. Holland’s ability to impact both the passing game and the running game makes him a valuable asset to Miami’s defense.
During the 2023 season, Holland continued to showcase his skills, earning significant praise for his leadership and ability to shut down opposing offenses. He finished the season with several crucial interceptions and passes defensed, solidifying his role as one of the top young safeties in the league. His ability to make game-changing plays and his leadership in the locker room make him an essential piece for the Dolphins moving forward.
With his contract set to expire, the Dolphins are reportedly eager to extend Holland’s stay in Miami. His growth as a player and his potential to be a cornerstone of the defense for years to come make him a priority for the team. Re-signing Holland would ensure that the Dolphins’ secondary remains strong and that they retain a key playmaker in the defensive backfield.
Elandon Roberts: The Anchor of the Linebacker Corps
Another player the Dolphins are keen on bringing back is linebacker Elandon Roberts, a hard-hitting veteran who has been a stalwart in Miami’s linebacker corps since his arrival. Known for his physicality and leadership, Roberts has consistently been a tackling machine for the Dolphins, helping to stop the run and providing valuable coverage in passing situations.
Roberts is not the flashiest player on the field, but he’s a reliable presence in the middle of Miami’s defense. His ability to read offenses, make tackles in critical moments, and provide a strong leadership presence in the locker room has earned him the respect of his coaches and teammates. Over the past few seasons, Roberts has consistently been one of the team’s top tacklers, showing his ability to diagnose plays and quickly close the gap on ball carriers.
In 2023, Roberts finished the season with an impressive number of tackles and several key stops against opposing running backs. His performance against the run was particularly noteworthy, as he consistently stood his ground against some of the league’s most powerful rushers. While Roberts may not be a star in the traditional sense, his blue-collar approach to the game and his ability to fill a critical role in the defense have made him invaluable to Miami.
With his current contract set to expire, the Dolphins are looking to bring Roberts back to ensure their linebacker corps remains intact. His leadership and steady play are crucial for the team, and his presence helps to anchor the middle of the defense. Bringing Roberts back would allow Miami to maintain the stability and consistency they need in a division with high-powered offenses.
Why Retaining Both Players Makes Sense
For the Dolphins, retaining both Jevon Holland and Elandon Roberts makes perfect sense for several reasons. First, both players are critical to Miami’s defensive identity. Holland’s ability to make game-changing plays as a ball hawk in the secondary, combined with Roberts’ consistency as a linebacker, creates a balanced defensive unit capable of defending against both the run and pass. Together, they represent the ideal combination of youth and experience, with Holland bringing a high ceiling as one of the league’s emerging stars and Roberts providing the steady leadership and physicality needed in the trenches.
Moreover, keeping these two players would help the Dolphins maintain continuity on defense. The NFL is a league that often sees major turnover on both sides of the ball, and keeping key players in place allows the team to build chemistry and consistency over time. With the Dolphins’ defense showing strong potential in recent years, retaining Holland and Roberts would allow the team to continue building a defense that can compete with the best teams in the AFC.
Additionally, both players fit well within Miami’s defensive system, which is predicated on versatility, speed, and high-intensity play. Holland’s ability to play in various roles in the secondary complements the Dolphins’ defensive philosophy, while Roberts’ role as a versatile linebacker gives the team a strong presence in the middle of the field. Both players are well-suited to the defense that head coach Mike McDaniel and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio have implemented, and keeping them around would ensure the team can execute its scheme to the fullest.
The Dolphins’ Financial Situation
While bringing back Holland and Roberts is a priority for the Dolphins, it will also depend on the team’s financial situation. The Dolphins have a number of key players on their roster, and keeping these two defensive players will require smart cap management. However, Miami has shown a willingness to invest in key players to remain competitive, and their financial flexibility allows them to make strategic moves when necessary.
For Holland, as a young player, the Dolphins will likely have to offer a contract extension that reflects his potential as one of the top safeties in the league. Meanwhile, Roberts, as a veteran linebacker, could see his next deal structured in a way that keeps him with the team for the short term while providing flexibility for the Dolphins to address other roster needs.
What’s Next for Miami?
As free agency approaches, the Dolphins will need to make a decision on whether they can keep both Holland and Roberts or if they need to prioritize one over the other. Ideally, the team would like to bring both players back to retain continuity on defense. However, if financial constraints come into play, they may have to make tough decisions based on their salary cap situation.
Miami’s front office will likely prioritize the retention of players who are key to their defensive foundation, and keeping Holland and Roberts in the fold would strengthen their defense for years to come. The team will also be looking to address other roster needs, such as bolstering their offensive line or adding more depth to the receiving corps, but ensuring their defense remains a strength will be crucial to their success moving forward.
As the Dolphins head into a crucial offseason, bringing back Jevon Holland and Elandon Roberts is a major priority. Both players have been integral to Miami’s defense, and retaining them would help the team maintain its competitive edge in the AFC East. While the team faces tough financial decisions, the importance of these two players cannot be overstated. Their leadership, playmaking ability, and consistency on defense make them critical to Miami’s success, and bringing them back would allow the Dolphins to continue building a strong foundation for the future.
If Miami can successfully retain both Holland and Roberts, they will have one of the most well-rounded defenses in the league, giving them a solid chance to compete for playoff spots and make a deep postseason run in the coming seasons.