The Jacksonville Jaguars need to bolster the defense this offseason, and safety will become a massive need if Andre Cisco leaves. Fortunately, it looks like his potential replacement will be available in the open market.
Cameron Wolfe of NFL Media recently shared updates about Jacksonville's free agency strategy, stating that fortifying the defense will be a priority and safety Jevon Holland will be a top target.
"But in free agency, I definitely keep an eye on their defense. They hired a new defensive coordinator, Anthony Capanile, and he wants to bring in his level of energy. He wants guys that that play like he coaches full of energy, full of playmaking ability, full of athleticism. And I can see this unit getting a big overhaul. They were 32nd in the NFL in passing defense 31st and total defense," Wolfe said.
"So this is a group where they're gonna look for young playmakers. Maybe a guy just mentioned earlier, Jevon Holland is a fit, and Jacksonville as well so I think this is a team that you'll see active in for agency, but maybe not just at receiver where everybody wants to speculate for them."
Decision on new Jaguars GM is expected this weekend as they finish 2nd interviews with finalists. Then, focus on work to improve the squad. Keep an eye on defense additions, in particular, in free agency under new DC Anthony Campanile.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) February 19, 2025
More from @nflnetwork The Insiders on Jags: pic.twitter.com/rgw2cCCiRs
In a different segment, Wolfe revealed that the Miami Dolphins aren't expected to apply the franchise tag on Jevon Holland, so unless they reach a long-term agreement before the start of free agency, he'll hit the open market.
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
Holland, a second-round pick in 2021, has been a staple of the Dolphins defensive backfield the past four years, registering five interceptions and 25 passes defensed in 60 games with 57 starts.
It would make sense for the Jaguars to pursue Holland because of his familiarity with new defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, who was the Miami linebackers coach from 2020-2023.
Even though Campanile wasn't Holland's position coach, they interacted with each other on a daily basis. In fact, the former Oregon Duck praised Campanile when the Jaguars hired him as their defensive coordinator.
Dolphins FA Safety Jevon Holland seems to like the new DC hire.
— Mike (@pathtothejags) January 31, 2025
Anthony Campanile was with Miami from 2020-2023 as their Linebackers coach before going to Green Bay.
Holland could be a free agent target for the #Jaguars this March! pic.twitter.com/Td5Rqi68gT
More Jaguars news:
Why the Jaguars could go after Jevon Holland in free agency
Safety Andre Cisco is scheduled to become a free agent, and the Jacksonville Jaguars don't plan to use the franchise tag on him either. In fact, it looks like he'll walk. The former Syracuse Orangeman logged a combined seven interceptions and 15 passes defensed in 2022-2023 but is coming off an underwhelming season.
Cisco's play might've taken a dip because of the inadequate coaching the Jaguars had last year, and there's a chance he'll bounce back in 2025. Like other players, he'll get a clean slate under head coach Liam Coen and defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile. That said, the New York, Queens native may want to see what's out there in the market. If he leaves, Jevon Holland would be an ideal replacement.
Even though Holland isn't a ballhawk like Cisco, he's a sure tackler who won't give up many big plays. Spotrac projects him to get a deal that pays him an annual average of $15 million, but it may be a bit higher depending on the demand.
If the Jaguars want to make a run for him, they'll have the cap space to make it happen. They currently have around $31 million, which could be enough to lock up him.
Now, it's not a given that the Jags will sign Holland in free agency. But if they do, they'll be giving Anthony Campanile one chess piece to work with and quickly get his unit going.