The Miami Dolphins have taken a significant step toward retaining cornerback Kader Kohou for the 2025 season. On March 8, the team announced it had placed the “right-of-first-refusal” tender on Kohou, effectively giving Miami control over his free agency status.
Roster Move | We have placed the right-of-first-refusal tender on CB Kader Kohou. pic.twitter.com/H9dHSAgWLi
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) March 8, 2025
With this move, the Dolphins are committing to paying Kohou a $3.26 million salary in 2025. If another team offers him a multi-year deal, Miami has the option to match it and keep him on the roster. Given how restricted free agency works in the NFL, Kohou is likely to remain with the Dolphins.
Since joining Miami as an undrafted free agent in 2022, Kohou has proven to be a valuable piece of the secondary. Over three seasons, he has started 38 games, including nine in 2024. His best year came in 2023, when he started all 16 games, recorded 63 tackles, five tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, and 10 pass defenses.
While his playing time dipped slightly in 2024, Kohou still played 76% of Miami’s defensive snaps when active. He contributed 45 tackles, three tackles for loss, eight pass defenses, two interceptions, and a forced fumble.
The #Dolphins have placed a right of first refusal tender on CB Kader Kohou, who was a restricted free agent. He’s now getting $3.26M in guaranteed money. It all comes off the cap this year.
Teams can offer him multi-year deals and Dolphins decide if they wanna match or not.
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) March 8, 2025
Miami enters free agency with one of the league’s smallest salary cap spaces, ranking 26th as of March 8. Kohou’s tender further tightens their budget, making it unlikely the team will make major free-agent acquisitions.
The Dolphins currently have nine defensive backs under contract for 2025, including seven cornerbacks. With Kohou likely staying, Miami’s focus may shift to replacing safety Jevon Holland, who is set to leave in free agency.
Holland’s projected market value is approximately $60.5 million over four years, a deal Miami is unlikely to match. Given their limited cap flexibility, the Dolphins are expected to prioritize roster upgrades through the 2025 NFL Draft, where they hold 10 selections.