Dolphins Now Understand How Much It Costs to Tag Holland and Tender Kohou
The Miami Dolphins have taken significant steps to secure key players for their defense in the 2025 NFL season, particularly with their decision to place franchise tags on standout safety Jevon Holland and tender cornerback Kader Kohou. The moves are a testament to the Dolphins’ commitment to maintaining and strengthening their defensive unit, which has shown promise but still needs refinement to become one of the NFL’s elite defenses. However, the financial implications of these decisions have now come into sharper focus.
The Cost of the Franchise Tag on Jevon Holland
Jevon Holland, one of the most promising young safeties in the league, was tagged by the Dolphins, securing him for at least one more season under the franchise tag. Holland, drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, has quickly become a cornerstone of the Dolphins’ defense, showing an impressive ability to cover ground, read plays, and make crucial stops. He has proven to be a versatile player, capable of excelling in both pass coverage and run support.
The franchise tag for safeties in the NFL is set based on the average of the top five salaries at the position over the previous five seasons. For the 2025 season, the franchise tag for safeties is expected to be around $14.5 million, though it could vary slightly depending on final salary cap adjustments and other factors. This is a hefty price for a safety, but given Holland’s playmaking ability and his impact on Miami’s defense, the Dolphins deemed him worth the investment.
By tagging Holland, Miami ensures that they retain one of the brightest young talents at a critical position for at least another season, preventing him from hitting the open market. This move also provides the team time to continue negotiations on a long-term deal, which is likely the ultimate goal for both Holland and the Dolphins.
Kader Kohou’s Tender
In addition to placing the franchise tag on Holland, the Dolphins have decided to tender cornerback Kader Kohou. Kohou, who has impressed during his time with Miami, has quickly become a valuable contributor to the Dolphins’ secondary. The tender is an exclusive rights offer, which means that the Dolphins have the right to match any offer Kohou might receive from another team or retain him under the terms of the tender.
For the Dolphins, offering a tender to Kohou helps to maintain depth in the secondary, particularly at the cornerback position. Kohou has displayed the ability to cover receivers and make plays on the ball, and his development over the past seasons has made him an important piece in Miami’s defensive puzzle. The tender cost for an exclusive rights free agent like Kohou is typically around $1 million to $2 million per season, depending on the player’s experience and the terms of the offer.
While Kohou’s tender does not come with the same financial burden as the franchise tag on Holland, it is still an important decision for the Dolphins as they work to secure affordable talent and maintain a solid defense. The tender also provides Miami with the ability to control Kohou’s rights while keeping him in a favorable contract situation.
The Financial Impact for Miami
These moves come with significant financial implications for the Dolphins, particularly with Holland’s franchise tag. While the $14.5 million salary cap hit for Holland’s tag might seem steep, it is crucial for Miami’s defense and their long-term goals. Miami has been building a competitive team, and retaining key players like Holland and Kohou ensures they remain competitive in a loaded AFC East division, where they are vying with teams like the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, and New York Jets.
Miami’s decision to tag Holland also reflects the importance the team places on building a strong defense. While the Dolphins have made waves on offense in recent years, particularly with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill leading the charge, having a solid defense is essential for achieving playoff success and, ultimately, contending for a Super Bowl. Holland has shown that he can be a game-changer in the secondary, and keeping him in Miami for at least another year gives the Dolphins a foundation to build upon as they look to improve their defense.
The tender for Kohou is a more affordable move, but it still provides Miami with the opportunity to keep a developing player who has shown promise. Kohou’s ability to step up in big moments and contribute to the defense is something the Dolphins are hoping to continue to foster.
Miami’s salary cap situation is always something to monitor, and these moves highlight the delicate balance the Dolphins must strike between investing in their star players while ensuring they have the resources to build out the rest of their roster. The franchise tag on Holland means Miami will need to budget carefully to keep a competitive team around him, but it also ensures they have a top-tier safety on the field in 2025. The tender for Kohou, on the other hand, allows the Dolphins to maintain depth without breaking the bank.
Looking Ahead: The Next Steps for Miami
While tagging Holland and tendering Kohou are important steps, the Dolphins still have work to do in the offseason. With the franchise tag on Holland taking up a significant portion of their cap space, Miami will need to be strategic in how they allocate their remaining resources.
Miami’s focus will likely shift toward continuing to bolster the defense, particularly with the pass rush and linebacker positions, which have been areas of concern. Additionally, the Dolphins will be looking to strengthen their offensive line to give Tua Tagovailoa more protection and time to make plays. The team may also look to add depth to the wide receiver position to complement Hill and help their passing attack reach new heights.
The Dolphins will also need to continue evaluating their draft options, as the 2025 NFL Draft is just around the corner. Miami has been active in previous drafts, and with the right moves, they could further strengthen their roster and push for a playoff berth in the competitive AFC.