Jalyn Holmes Bio
Jalyn Holmes is an American professional football defensive end who currently plays in the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) and listed at 283 lb (128 kg), he has built a journeyman career as a rotational pass rusher since entering the league in 2018. After spending his early NFL seasons moving between practice squads and active rosters, Holmes signed with the Tennessee Titans on June 16, 2026, where he continues his professional career.
Holmes played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes and was part of the program that won the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship. He was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round (102nd overall) of the 2018 NFL draft and has since appeared for the New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Chicago Bears, New York Jets, Washington Commanders, and Tennessee Titans.
Early Life and Background
Jalyn Holmes was born on January 25, 1996, in Norfolk, Virginia, in the United States. He grew up in the same Hampton Roads region that has produced several professional football players, and he attended Lake Taylor High School in Norfolk. At Lake Taylor, Holmes played as a defensive lineman and became one of the more closely watched high school prospects in the state of Virginia.
His size and athleticism drew early attention from college recruiters, and he was rated as one of the top defensive end prospects in his recruiting class. Holmes committed to Ohio State University, choosing the Buckeyes over a number of other programs that had offered scholarships. The decision to leave Virginia for Columbus, Ohio, marked the first major step in his football journey.
Path to Professional Football
Holmes enrolled at Ohio State in 2014 and redshirted his freshman season, preserving a year of eligibility while he developed within the Buckeyes’ defensive scheme. From 2015 through 2017, he appeared in every Ohio State game, taking the field in 40 total contests across three seasons. During that stretch he was recognized twice as an Honorable Mention all-Big Ten Conference selection, posting 85 career tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks.
He also took part in two Big Ten Championship games and five bowl games as a Buckeye, including the program’s run to the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship. That title-winning season helped shape Holmes as a winner in high-pressure environments. Following his senior year, he declared for the 2018 NFL draft, where his combination of size, length, and college production made him an attractive Day 3 prospect for teams in need of defensive line depth.
Jalyn Holmes Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
The Minnesota Vikings selected Jalyn Holmes in the fourth round, 102nd overall, of the 2018 NFL draft. On May 5, 2018, he signed a four-year, $3.191 million rookie contract that included a signing bonus of $731,396. As a Viking, he worked primarily as a rotational defensive end while learning the team’s scheme.
In Week 7 of his rookie year, Holmes recorded his first career sack against Sam Darnold in a 37–17 Vikings win over the New York Jets. He remained with Minnesota through the 2020 season before being waived on September 1, 2021, ending his first NFL stint.
Minnesota Vikings Era (2018–2020)
Holmes’ Vikings tenure was his longest stop with a single franchise. He appeared on special teams and as a depth defensive lineman, gradually earning more defensive snaps as his rookie contract progressed. The first career sack against Darnold served as the signature early moment of his NFL career.
New Orleans Saints Stint (2021)
After being let go by Minnesota, Holmes signed with the New Orleans Saints practice squad on September 6, 2021. Less than a month later, on October 6, 2021, the Saints promoted him to the active roster. His time in New Orleans was brief, but it kept him in the league after his Vikings release.
New York Giants and Chicago Bears (2022)
Holmes signed with the New York Giants on May 18, 2022, but was waived on August 30, 2022, before the regular season began. He quickly caught on with the Chicago Bears, joining their practice squad on October 4, 2022, and later being signed to the active roster on January 4, 2023.
New York Jets Era (2023–2024)
Holmes signed with the New York Jets on August 14, 2023. He was waived and re-signed to the practice squad multiple times throughout his Jets tenure, including promotions to the active roster on December 19, 2023, and September 19, 2024. His last release from the Jets came on October 14, 2024.
Washington Commanders Era (2024–2025)
Holmes signed with the Washington Commanders on October 16, 2024, and recorded his first sack for the team in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears. He re-signed with Washington on March 19, 2025, before being waived on August 26, 2025, and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. He was promoted to the active roster on September 15, 2025, after Deatrich Wise Jr. was placed on injured reserve, then released on October 18 and re-signed three days later.
Driving Style and Strengths
Holmes is a tall, long defensive end whose primary strengths come from his frame, leverage, and motor on early downs. He has built his NFL career as a rotational edge defender and special teams contributor, with his production coming in bursts tied to obvious passing situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Holmes’ most notable milestones include his 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship with Ohio State and his first NFL sack against Sam Darnold in 2018. Through the 2025 season, his career NFL totals include 104 tackles, 4 sacks, and 3 pass deflections.
Jalyn Holmes Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Holmes grew up in Norfolk, Virginia, where he attended Lake Taylor High School. Public details about his immediate family are limited, and specific information regarding his parents, spouse, or children has not been widely confirmed.
2025 Season Performance
Holmes spent the 2025 season with the Washington Commanders after re-signing in March. His role fluctuated between the practice squad and active roster, as the team adjusted its defensive line depth throughout the year. His promotion on September 15, 2025, following the placement of Deatrich Wise Jr. on injured reserve, reflected the organization’s continued trust in his versatility. His release on October 18 and quick re-signing three days later underscored how narrow the margin remained between active duty and the practice squad.