The New York Giants have bolstered their secondary by signing safety Jevon Holland to a three-year, $45.3 million contract. According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the deal includes $30.3 million in guaranteed money and could reach $46.8 million with incentives.
With an annual average salary of $15.1 million, Holland now ranks as the eighth-highest-paid safety in the league, surpassing recent contracts signed by Camryn Bynum and Talanoa Hufanga but trailing behind Tre’von Moehrig’s $17 million deal with the Carolina Panthers.
Holland Brings Playmaking Ability but Must Overcome Recent Injury Concerns
Holland is known for his ability to make big plays, and he will provide an immediate upgrade to the Giants’ secondary, which struggled in 2024. Safety was a critical need for New York this offseason, especially after losing Xavier McKinney in free agency last year.
With Holland’s arrival, general manager Joe Schoen has made a significant investment to strengthen the back end of the defense. His presence should bring stability and playmaking ability to a unit that has lacked both in recent seasons.
Jevon Holland (NFL)During his four seasons with the Miami Dolphins, Holland recorded five interceptions, five sacks, and 301 total tackles. However, his most recent season raised some concerns, as he struggled following a knee sprain in 2023.
In 2024, he failed to register an interception, defended only four passes, and had a career-low of 62 tackles. Previously known for his ability to always be around the ball, Holland’s impact diminished last season, leaving questions about whether he can return to his earlier form.
Giants Strengthen Defense While Dolphins Opt for a Budget-Friendly Replacement
The Giants are confident that Holland, now healthy, will regain his previous level of play and become a defensive leader. His addition is part of a larger effort to revamp the team’s defense, which has also seen the arrivals of cornerback Paulson Adebo, edge rusher Chauncey Golston, defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris, and linebacker Chris Board. These moves signal the Giants’ commitment to building a more formidable defense for the upcoming season.
With Holland’s departure, the Dolphins turned to a more cost-effective alternative, signing former Detroit Lions safety Ifeatu Melifonwu to a one-year, $4 million contract. Although Melifonwu has shown flashes of talent, injuries have limited his playing time, as he appeared in only three games last season. The Dolphins, dealing with salary cap constraints, are taking a low-risk gamble on Melifonwu’s ability to stay healthy and contribute to their secondary.
