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Dolphins Get Key Decision From Free Agent Ahead of NFL Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Apr 12, 2025 10:38 AM ET

The Miami Dolphins head into the 2025 NFL Draft with clear needs. Both the offensive and defensive lines need work, but so too does the secondary. A little under two weeks from the draft, the Dolphins made a key decision in their secondary.

According to Aaron Wilson, an NFL and Houston Texans reporter for KRPC 2 Houston, cornerback Kader Kohou has signed his restricted free-agent contract. The decision for Kohou to return to Miami is a key move for the Dolphins.

Kohou is 26 years old and was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2022. Since joining Miami, Kohou has started 38 of the 47 games he's appeared in. Coming off a strong 2024, where Kohou had two interceptions, he re-signs with the Dolphins for the 2025 season.

In each of his three seasons with Miami, Kohou has at least eight passes defended, and he's totaled 180 tackles and 13 tackles for loss in his three seasons.

In 2024, Kohou allowed a passer rating of 79.3, the lowest of his career. He gave up 419 passing yards and two touchdowns, both the lowest of his career. Kohou had a bounce-back season in 2024 and solidified his role as the starting slot cornerback.

Kohou was a restricted free agent, leaving the odds of him going elsewhere minimal. But, his return is a very important one for the Dolphins ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Between Jalen Ramsey starting outside, and Kohou starting in the slot, the Dolphins' secondary is taking shape. Heading into the draft, Miami only needs to add another boundary cornerback to complete the cornerback room.

Kohou returning on his RFA tender is a much-needed move to progress towards a complete secondary. Kohou's deal is a one-year, $3.3 million contract. It's a cheap deal for Miami to keep a core piece of the secondary intact for the 2025 season.

Keeping a key piece of the defense is an important move for Miami to make. With the needs across the roster, Kohou's return sets the Dolphins up with clear needs heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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