Kader Kohou’s imminent return to the Miami Dolphins is one of those feel-good NFL stories. Despite being a restricted free agent, Kohou is gearing up to sign his qualifying offer, which would keep him in Miami for another year with a $3.3 million contract.
This sets him on a path to potentially become an unrestricted free agent by 2026. The Dolphins have placed a Right of First Refusal (ROFR) tender on him, meaning they can match any offer he receives before the April 18 deadline, but the odds of another team swooping in are slim, as such offer sheets are rare in the NFL.
On the Dive Bar Podcast, Kohou left no doubt about where his heart lies. “I love Miami,” Kohou shared.
“It was the first team that brought me into the league. I really like all the coaches and my teammates, even though some have moved on.
Miami feels like the right place for me to grow with folks who believe in me. I’d love to stay here my entire career.”
In terms of off-season strategy, the Dolphins had a mix of RFAs and exclusive-rights free agents to consider. While Kohou was tendered alongside linebacker Quinton Bell, wide receiver Anthony Schwartz wasn’t given the same offer, making him an unrestricted free agent. The team re-signed Bell, but Schwartz remains on the lookout for a new home.
The Dolphins also dealt with their exclusive-rights free agents by tendering linebacker Cameron Goode and tackle Kion Smith, but wide receiver Grant DuBose was allowed to hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent.
Looking at the 2025 offseason so far, Miami has made some key additions. The team has welcomed 12 new faces, including quarterback Zach Wilson from Denver and guard James Daniels from Pittsburgh.
Also joining the squad are offensive and defensive linemen like Larry Borom and Ifeatu Melifonwu, as well as versatile players like linebacker K.J. Britt and running back Alexander Mattison.
Regarding their own players, the Dolphins have re-signed eight essential contributors, including defensive talents like Matt Dickerson and Elijah Campbell and offensive line versatility with Jackson Carman. However, they’ve also lost nine players to other teams, which includes wide receiver Braxton Berrios heading to Houston and guard Robert Jones to Dallas.
As the dust settles on the free agency period, Miami still has 12 unrestricted free agents left on the board, including quarterback Tyler Huntley and veteran linebacker Duke Riley. The team’s management will have to make some strategic decisions moving forward, but with Kohou’s probable return and a roster that’s shaping up boldly, the Dolphins seem well poised for the upcoming season.
