After a busy start to getting rookies from the 2021 class under contract, the Miami Dolphins have been relatively quiet in finalizing the signings from their last few remaining players. But as the saying goes. deadlines spur action”. And the Dolphins were busy yesterday, including signing one of three remaining rookies yet to finalize the rookie contract.
The Dolphins announced yesterday did they have a greed to terms with second round of rookie safety Jevon Holland from the University of Oregon. Holland is expected to take over Bobby McCain’s role as the team starting free safety immediately in 2021 and carries high expectations as a cerebral presence on the field. And now, thankfully, there will be no question on his his availability as the team starts training camp next week.
Pen to paper… @HollywoodVon makes it official! #FinsUp pic.twitter.com/muKh82vbRM
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) July 23, 2021
With Holland now signed, the Dolphins have just two rookies left to sign their initial contract: Liam Eichenberg at offensive tackle and Hunter Long at tight end. And, given the upcoming start to training camp, one would expect to see the Dolphins finalize both of those signings in similarly swift fashion.
As for Holland, his challenge will be finding and creating more impact plays in 2021 than what Bobby McCain has been able to manufacture in his past two seasons serving as the dolphin starting free safety. McCain was an effective communicator on the backend, but his lack of ball production and issues with missed tackles seemed to place a glass ceiling over his play. And, apparently, the Dolphins agreed. The team wasted a little time in parting ways with McCain after Holland was secured in the NFL draft.
And while the early returns are certainly promising according to reports, things will get much more real this upcoming week when the Dolphins strap on the pads. Thankfully, Holland’s fine print is taken care of. Now, he can just focus on living up to that potential and being the biggest impact player he can be, as quickly as possible.
