Dolphins Cornerback Kader Kohou Faces Uncertain Future After ACL Tear

Miami must decide whether to re-sign, tag, or let the 27-year-old walk in free agency.

Mar. 1, 2026 at 7:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Miami Dolphins have a big decision to make on cornerback Kader Kohou, who missed the entire 2025 season after tearing his ACL in training camp. Kohou, an undrafted free agent signing in 2022, had emerged as a starter for the Dolphins over his first three seasons, but the knee injury raises questions about his recovery and future with the team. As Miami looks to rebuild its cornerback group, the Dolphins must weigh whether to re-sign Kohou, use the franchise tag, or let him test free agency.

Why it matters

Kohou's status is crucial for the Dolphins as they look to shore up their secondary after a rash of injuries last season. The 27-year-old had proven to be a reliable starter, and his return could provide stability at a key position. However, the ACL tear creates uncertainty about his recovery and future performance, which the Dolphins must carefully consider as they make decisions on their free agents.

The details

In his first three NFL seasons, Kohou appeared in 47 games, starting 38 of them, and recorded 180 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 sack, 28 passes defensed, and 3 interceptions. The Dolphins were counting on him to be a starter again in 2025 before the training camp injury. Cornerbacks often struggle to return to their previous form after an ACL tear, so the Dolphins will have to weigh the risk of re-signing Kohou against the potential upside of a player they've already invested time and resources into developing.

  • Kohou tore his ACL during a July 2025 training camp practice, causing him to miss the entire 2025 season.
  • NFL free agency begins on March 13, 2026, at which point the Dolphins must decide whether to re-sign, franchise tag, or let Kohou walk.

The players

Kader Kohou

A 27-year-old cornerback who signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and emerged as a starter over his first three seasons, before missing the 2025 season with a torn ACL.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge in Kohou's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him to return to the field for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Kohou's recovery from the ACL tear will be crucial for the Dolphins as they look to rebuild their secondary. If he can return to his previous form, he could provide valuable stability at a key position. However, the uncertainty around his recovery means the Dolphins will have to carefully weigh the risks and rewards of re-signing him this offseason.