Dolphins Should Keep Rasul Douglas for 2026

Dolphins Should Keep Rasul Douglas for 2026

It seemed like Rasul Douglas would be a one-year rental.

Signed in the week leading up to the 2025 season opener, Douglas was a stopgap option after the season-ending injuries to Kader Kohou and Artie Burns, along with the Dolphins having multiple inexperienced players at the cornerback position.

Well, as we near the end of this season, Douglas has turned out to be one of the best additions of the off-season for Miami.

Through 14 games, he has 35 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and two interceptions.

Along with the rest of the defense that has played well as part of Miami winning five of its last six games, Douglas has played his best ball of the season in that stretch.

Douglas, who turns 32 next August, recorded an interception in the win against the Saints in week 13 to go along with six tackles, which tied for a season-high.

He also had five pass deflections against the Jets in a dominant win on the road.

However, like any strong cornerback, some of his strongest plays are not shown in the box score.

Douglas, who routinely draws the toughest assignments on the outside, has helped the Dolphins’ defense limit opponents to tough days through the air.

Also, as one of the last remaining veterans in the secondary, Douglas has helped younger players such as Ethan Bonner, Jason Marshall Jr., and Dante Trader Jr. improve as the season progresses.

In fact, Marshall Jr. had his first interception of the year in the week 16 win over Tampa Bay.

Next season, Douglas should have more of a defined role in the secondary with the return of Kohou in the slot and with Marshall Jr. and Trader looking like keepers.

Presumably, the Dolphins will also add some more help in the cornerback room with at least one of the five top-100 picks.

Even then, that player should need some time to develop, which is where Douglas will come in.

He will serve his role as a reliable player with a knack for a big play and also as someone who can serve as a veteran leader.

Not bad for someone who signed a few days before the season opener.