Ahead of free agency, the Dolphins released veteran Emmanuel Ogbah.

 

In advance of free agency, the Miami Dolphins cut veteran linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah on Friday, as Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

“A source says the Dolphins intend to release veteran linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah today. Ogbah had consecutive nine-sack seasons in 2020 and 2021 before Miami inked him to a four-year, $65 million contract.

For Miami, the move makes sense. The Dolphins still have a lot of work to do to stay under the cap, even with the higher-than-expected 2024 NFL salary cap (and considerably more if they intend to keep some key free players). Ogbah’s release frees up over $14 million in cap space.

With his playing time drastically decreasing in 2023 and his inability to distinguish himself in a 3-4 scheme run by new Dolphins defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, it seemed as though Ogbah’s time was running out. Fangio has moved on to play for the Philadelphia Eagles, but the linebacker will still be looking for a new team.

Ogbah has proven that he is still a good player, even though his prior $65 million price tag may not be justified. As a result, he is expected to attract multiple suitors in free agency.

Throughout his career, the linebacker had at least 5.5 sacks in a single season for three different teams. He recorded nine sacks in a row for the Dolphins from 2020 to 2021. Ogbah was first signed by Miami following a stellar 2019 campaign with the Chiefs, where he played in just 10 games due to a torn pectoral muscle but still managed 32 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and a forced fumble.

Ogbah was initially chosen with the 32nd selection of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. Ogbah played collegiate football at Oklahoma State.