The Miami Dolphins cannot seem to catch a break. Just weeks after Artie Burns went down with a season-ending injury, the team announced that star cornerback Kader Kohou also suffered a season-ending injury.
Now, the Dolphins have been struck with a reality that has been known about them for months. The team’s depth is a massive issue.
Considering the Dolphins signed Mike Hilton and Jack Jones before the news of Kohou being out for the season, it would be believed that the team understands the skills of the awaiting backups. That being said, here are five corners the Dolphins should target immediately.
5. Stephon Gilmore
Stephon Gilmore is a consummate pro and a player that the Dolphins should give a call to. Granted, Gilmore is about to be 35 years old, but he is still a solid player.
In 2024 with the Minnesota Vikings, Gilmore only gave up a 61.4 completion percentage and 94.1 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks. He did give up four touchdowns, but these stats are far better than what the Dolphins currently have.
4. Asante Samuel Jr.
The Dolphins and Asante Samuel Jr. have been linked to one another for months, though a deal was never signed. Oddly enough, Asante’s father went scorched earth on the Dolphins on his podcast, calling the organization soft, among many other things.
It could be that the Dolphins might have offered Samuel a small contract, leading to his father going off on the team.Samuel is coming off a season-ending injury, but his 2023 stats are solid. He gave up no touchdowns and a 89.6 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks.
3. Rasul Douglas
Much like Samue, the Dolphins were linked to Rasul Douglas, and there were reports that a deal was presented to Douglas. Now, it might be that Miami has to up the offer a bit to potentially get the veteran in the building to stay.
Douglas is also a longtime veteran, but has had issues with staying healthy. He did appear and start in 15 games in 2024, but gave up a 72.9 completion percentage and 122.0 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks.Douglas might not be the safest bet, but he is a veteran who can reignite his career in South Beach.
2. Joshua Williams
The Kansas City Chiefs are loaded with cornerbacks, and the Dolphins might have to call the team to strike a deal. One player the Chiefs might be willing to give up is Joshua Williams.
“Williams does have some encouraging numbers over his first three seasons. Across 769 coverage snaps, he has allowed 0.9 yards per snap — better than average — and 0.6 over the past two years, albeit in a small sample.”
1. Xavien Howard
Xavien Howard and the Dolphins might not have had an amicable split, but Howard remains one of the best corners in the league when healthy.
In 13 games in the 2023 season, Howard only gave up one touchdown, a 62.9 passer rating, and an 81.3 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks.
Howard did all that while still recovering from past injuries. He was one of the best cover corners in the league, and has a deep familiarity with the Dolphins. The organization should give him a call and allow a much-asked-about reunion.
