Kader Kohou was one of a handful of defensive free agents the Kansas City Chiefs added this offseason. The former Miami Dolphins cornerback suffered a torn ACL before last year's regular season. After missing all of 2025 due to injury, Kohou became a cheap addition.
The mix of time missed last season, a small salary, and past progress as a former undrafted free agent made him an intriguing buy-low signing. Kansas City has certainly found ways to make something out of former diamonds in the rough on defense. Kohou was arguably Miami's best defensive back for stretches of his first few seasons. However, is he facing a greater uphill climb to make the roster in Kansas City?
Defensive back room became crowded quickly after Kohou signing
When he originally signed his deal with the Chiefs, Kohou was viewed as an option who could start immediately. Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson were no longer part of the fold. Not many people would have guessed the Chiefs would draft a cornerback in the top 10 of April's draft.
But after adding Mansoor Delane and Jadon Canady with draft selections, Kohou faced competition from similar play styles and player builds. Then Kansas City reunited with an old friend. L'Jarius Sneed was signed later on, giving him and Chiefs fans a sense of comfort with his return.
Sneed has not been the player he was during his incredible 2023 campaign with K.C. Delane and Canady will have to take time to get acclimated as well. However, is Kohou as sturdy in the roster plans as initially perceived? All in all, it appears multiple items may have to fall into place for him to make the cut.
Logjam of options may come down to familiarity
Nohl Williams performed admirably to round out his rookie season. If that continues, he should start on the outside for most or all of the season. Delane is then penciled in as the other starting cornerback. Despite a roller-coaster run with the Chiefs for Kristian Fulton, Kansas City does not appear ready to give up on his chances. Sneed will see his role managed if he remains healthy.
Elsewhere, there are versatile options whom the coaching staff raves about. Namely, Chris Roland-Wallace is a piece that has become dependable as a role player. The team is not going to give up entirely on Chamarri Conner or Jaden Hicks just yet. If so, it would still be stunning, even after last year's puzzling usage for the pair. Most of all, Alohi Gilman received a favorable contract in free agency.
As you can see, the options are becoming logjammed and stacked in the secondary. The Chiefs are facing numerous levels of turnover in their defensive back room once again. But in an organization that generally stays loyal to those who have been there, Kohou may not have enough equity to outlast established names.
No time for slip up in Chiefs' DB competition
There is seemingly a level of tempo that will sort out the DB roles. The urgency should lead to immediate answers on who will stick and who will not. Kohou does not have the luxury of starting slow once training camp begins.
Kansas City is too dependent on a defensive uptick after the changes made to that side of the ball. On top of that, there are going to be immense expectations and excitement surrounding Delane as a first-round pick.
Kohou was likely going to have to earn a distinct role. Slot reps are where he can earn a spot. If Kohou simply maintains adequate footwork and read-and-react ability, there is room for him in the Kansas City secondary. But if the game is moving too fast for him in camp and the preseason, the Chiefs have other pieces they can turn to.
Kohou needs to stack multiple strong days together in training camp. Any concerns about the durability of Sneed or Fulton are ways in which he could be aided in making the roster. Additionally, any flashes of the ball production he showed in Miami will likely be a make-or-break trait in his making the team, as the Chiefs are currently constructed.
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