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Dolphins' Kader Kohou Breaks Silence on Role Following Jalen Ramsey Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Douglas Santo | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 11:45 AM ET

The Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers completed a blockbuster trade Monday morning when the Dolphins sent cornerback Jalen Ramsey, tight end Jonnu Smith, and a seventh-round pick to the Steelers in return for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a fifth-round pick.

Although the Dolphins got All-Pro Fitzpatrick in the trade, the departure of Ramsey leaves a gaping hole in the cornerback position of the secondary.

Dolphins' cornerback Kader Kohou will be entering his fourth year in the NFL, all with the Dolphins, and will be the team's No. 1 cornerback option for 2025 as of now. With his three years of experience in Miami, he's looking to take on a bigger leadership role with the departure of Ramsey.

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”I have to step up and be leader in the room and show the younger guys how we want our unit to be, just like they did with me,” Kohou said, via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald (h/t NBC Sports ). “Jalen Ramsey, X, Jordan Poyer showed me the way. You don’t always have to talk; you can lead by example. It’s going to be a challenge. Being the oldest guy in the room, whether you want it or not, is a little weight on your shoulder because you have to show the other guys. It’s not something I’m not prepared for.”

Kohou played with veterans in the Dolphins' secondary throughout his first few years in the league. Now, it's his turn to step up and be an example for the other young players around him.

The rest of the Dolphins' cornerback room consists of free agent signings Artie Burns and Kendall Sheffield, and then a bunch of rookies, second and third-year players drafted by the Dolphins.

Kohou will have the opportunity to be a leader for guys like Cam Smith, Ethan Bonner, and Jason Marshall Jr., who the Dolphins have drafted over the last couple of years.

The Dolphins' cornerback has been a three-year starter, accumulating 180 tackles, 13 TFLs, 28 pass defended, and three interceptions across his first three seasons.

Miami is in the market for a cornerback to add depth and talent to the position, but for now, Kohou looks the be the leader of the group and will be tasked with a new leadership role in 2025.

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

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