The Miami Dolphins struggled to remain competitive in the 2025 NFL season, finishing the season with a 7-10 record. Their pass defense was nothing to scoff at, as their 3,951 opposing passing yards and 29 opposing passing TDs rank top 15 in both categories. However, their neutered offense let them down.
Some Dolphins fans could only imagine how the secondary would function with Kader Kahou on the roster. He was sidelined for the entirety of the 2025 season due to an ACL injury, but he was coming off a strong 2024 campaign where he made two picks and only allowed a 65.2% pass completion rate for 419 yards.
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Miami Dolphins receivers coach Wes Welker, left, with wide receivers Jaylen Waddle (17) and Tyreek Hill (10)
While the team is looking forward to retool their offense, the defense will be looking to strengthen their weak spots. Kahou’s with the team was questioned after the ACL injury, but recent development might steer things in a different direction.
Kader Kahou Gets Full Bill of Health as He Enters 2026 Free Agency
NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero reported the 26-year-old’s status after being sidelined in September for a partially torn ACL.
He reported that the impending free agent got his surgery from team physician Gautam Yagnik and was given a full bill of health. He will enter the market healthy at age 27 and will demand top dollar for teams interested in his services.
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The Dolphins will enter the 2026 season with $-5,999,376 in cap space and $73,949,385 in dead cap, so they might not have the financial muscle to offer a competitive contract to Kahou while rebuilding their offense. Jon-Eric Sullivan can keep him with a franchise tag, but they might use it for more pressing needs in the roster.
Related: Miami Dolphins 2026 Offseason Outlook
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.