The Miami Dolphins’ cornerback roster has plunged into further turmoil with the devastating news that Kader Kohou, their standout defensive back, will miss the entire 2025 NFL season due to an ACL tear. This grim announcement comes on the heels of Artie Burns’ similar season-ending injury, leaving the Dolphins scrambling to reconfigure their defensive lineup. Head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed Kohou’s injury during a practice session, echoing the woes that have plagued Miami’s cornerbacks this year.
Kohou’s absence marks a significant blow, as he was the only returning starter in a secondary that has seen major offseason changes, including the release of Kendall Fuller and the trade of Jalen Ramsey. Having carved out a vital role for himself since joining the team as an undrafted free agent, Kohou was poised to transition from a slot position to a more prominent outside role in 2025. His injury opens up a fierce competition among Miami’s younger corners, thrusting them into the spotlight with a chance to seize a starting role.
The Dolphins’ cornerback depth is now largely untested. Among them, second-year undrafted free agent Storm Duck stands out, possessing the only multiple-start experience at the position. Meanwhile, the coaching staff is eager to see a breakthrough from 2023 second-round pick Cam Smith, whose contributions have been limited to just 153 defensive snaps over two seasons. Ethan Bonner, in his third year, remains a special teams regular and an unlikely candidate to emerge as a starter.
Despite not heavily investing in the cornerback position this offseason, Miami did bring in veterans Jack Jones and Mike Hilton. Jones, who has a solid starting history with the Raiders, could now find himself a frontrunner for a boundary role, especially in light of Kohou’s unfortunate setback. Hilton, known for his extensive experience with the Steelers and Bengals, is expected to lead in the nickel spot, bringing stability to the defensive backfield.
For Kohou, the injury represents a cruel twist in what was meant to be a defining year in his career. From stepping up during the Xavien Howard–Byron Jones era to becoming a reliable starter, Kohou has been pivotal in navigating the Dolphins through periods of defensive uncertainty. Last season, he maintained a 76% snap rate in his healthy appearances, earning a respectable mid-tier grade from Pro Football Focus. However, his path forward now involves rehabilitation and a potential one-year contract in 2026, as his current platform year disappears due to the injury.
As the Dolphins brace for the upcoming season, the loss of Kohou adds another layer of complexity to their defensive strategy. The door is open for new talents to emerge, but the absence of a seasoned player like Kohou leaves the team with a mountain to climb in solidifying their secondary lineup.
