Will Jevon Holland make Clayton Fejedelem expendable?

The Miami Dolphins have six safeties on their roster once Jevon Holland signs his rookie contract but it is Clayton Fejedelem that could be out.

Fejedelem has played one season of a two-year contract in Miami but last year he missed three games and was primarily used on special teams. That isn’t surprising because the Dolphins brought him to Miami as a top special team’s talent. Now with a roster exploding with youthful talent and promise, Fejedelem may not find himself as the luxury the Dolphins can afford.

There will be tough cuts to make this year and some positions may come with a larger need to carry more than the team normally would. The addition of Jevon Holland in the 2nd round of the draft last April could indicate that the Dolphins are set at safety and Holland could spend time on the ST unit to start his career.

Miami also added Jason McCourty who is currently listed as a defensive back but it is believed that the long-time NFL veteran will play safety and will probably replace Bobby McCain as the starter alongside Eric Rowe.

The solid play of last year’s rookie safety Brandon Jones means the Dolphins are pretty set at safety this year and that leaves Fejedelem hoping they carry five at the position and that his special teams work will be enough. Working against him, however, is also the salary cap.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 26: Defensive back Clayton Fejedelem #42 of the Miami Dolphins is tripped up by wide receiver Hunter Renfrow #13 of the Las Vegas Raiders after Fejedelem gained 22 yards on a fake punt by the Dolphins in the first half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Dolphins defeated the Raiders 26-25. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Fejedelem is scheduled to count $2.4 million against this year’s salary cap and none of that money is guaranteed. The Dolphins are not in a dire salary cap situation but do they want to carry over $2 million for a guy that will likely only see the field during special teams play? I have a hard time believing that they would, especially given what we mentioned above, the need for players at other positions. For example, is it in Miami’s best interest to keep Fejedelem as a 5th safety instead of keeping a 5th running back or maybe a 7th wide receiver? Maybe not and this is what Fejedelem is also competing against, space on the roster.

By the time September rolls around, I would suspect that Fejedelem is gone and it won’t be because he is a bad football player, it will because Miami really can’t afford to keep an extra safety and Jevon Holland could pick up some of the special teams work if needed.

At least if he doesn’t make the roster, we will have the memory of the 22 yards he gained against the Raider on the fake punt last season!

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