College connection saved Joe Schoen from botching key free agent signing

One of the most significant signings for general manager Joe Schoen and the New York Giants through the first week of free agency this offseason was signing former Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland.

Holland agreed to a three-year, $45.3 million contract with the Giants. The move fills a significant void at safety in the Giants' secondary after Xavier McKinney left for the Green Bay Packers in free agency last offseason. New York can now pair Holland opposite Tyler Nubin.

Holland has been with the Dolphins since 2021, where he played in 60 games and had 301 total tackles, five sacks, five forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, five interceptions, 25 passes defended, and one touchdown. The 25-year-old was one of the best safeties on the open market this offseason, and this is considered a good signing by Big Blue.

While Schoen will get props for bringing Holland to New York, the Giants owe linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux credit for helping the front office recruit the former Dolphins safety to East Rutherford.

Kayvon Thibodeaux deserves props for the Giants signing Jevon Holland

Holland recently appeared on Breakin' House Rules with NFL Network reporter Cameron Wolfe and media personality Andre "Tranquilo" Dunand. He discussed why he chose the Giants in free agency and shouted out Thibodeaux for recruiting him to New York.

Thibodeaux and Holland played together at the University of Oregon in 2019 and have remained good friends ever since. Turns out that connection was incredibly important for Schoen to land the deal. Holland mentioned how his agent told him to stay up because the Giants were calling and how Thibodeaux was persistent and called him multiple times to get him to sign with Big Blue. Never underestimate the power of the duck.

Holland also mentioned that he was interested in the Giants because he feels that the franchise is building in the right direction and that struggling teams need good players to win. He added that he's excited to be a part of a process to shape a team and help them win in any way needed.

Holland wasn’t just sold on the Giants by Thibodeaux, though—he also got a strong endorsement from a surprising ex-Giants. Before making his decision, Holland revealed he consulted with none other than McKinney himself. Despite McKinney’s departure, he spoke highly of the organization and encouraged Holland to sign with the G-Men. It's an interesting twist, considering the Giants let McKinney walk rather than pay him, only to turn around and spend big money on another young, high-end safety.

Thibodeaux deserves credit for helping the Giants bring Holland to New York. If things don't pan out on the field, Schoen could always consider promoting the 2022 first-rounder to the front office.