Miami Dolphins to Sign Former Starter After Monday Workout

The Miami Dolphins' signing adds much-needed depth at the edge rusher position, allowing them to slowly bring rookies Chop Robinson and Mohamed Kamara along.
Dec 3, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (91) celebrates after recording a sack against the Washington Commanders during the second quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (91) celebrates after recording a sack against the Washington Commanders during the second quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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The Miami Dolphins have made a strategic move by choosing to re-sign a familiar face. On Tuesday, they will welcome back edge rusher Emmanuel Ogbah, a decision that could significantly impact their defensive lineup and demonstrates the team's thoughtful planning.

Ogbah, who underwent a workout session for the team on Monday alongside Yannick Ngakoue, is set to sign a one-year contract. This deal, reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, could be worth up to $5 million, a significant investment in the team's defensive capabilities.

NFL Insider Jordan Schultz was the first to break the story of the Tuesday signing.

According to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network, Ogbah had a vigorous workout and will provide much-needed depth at the edge rusher position.

Ogbah played for Miami for the last four seasons. He was cut in March due to cost-cutting moves, as he was to earn $14,925,000 for the 2024 season.

Ogbah played for Miami for the last four seasons. He was cut in March due to cost-cutting moves, as he was scheduled to earn $14,925,000 for the 2024 season.

During his four-year stint with Miami, Ogbah proved his worth with an impressive 18 sacks over the first two seasons. However, Ogbah's performance was hampered again by injury last season, where he managed only 5.5 sacks due to a triceps tear. This signing marks his return to the team, and the Dolphins are hopeful for a resurgence in his form.

The Dolphins brought back someone that they know and feel comfortable with. Ogbah should fit nicely with new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver's 3-4 defense. He will see action immediately and eventually provide much-needed depth to the position.

Shaquil Barrett's surprise retirement on Saturday afternoon necessitated the signing of Ogbah. That, coupled with injuries to veterans Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, and Cameron Goode, made it essential that the Dolphins bring in an experienced player to take over one of the edge positions.

The Dolphins will also work with rookies Chop Robinson and Mohamed Kamara in the rotation at the edge rusher position.

Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler, who notched a career-high nine sacks last season, one less than his former line mate Christian Wilkins, who signed with Las Vegas for $110 million over four years, is excited that the Dolphins re-signed Ogbah to help fill the vacancy left by the sudden retirement of Barrett.

"I'm excited. Og is a great guy, so it'll be really cool to get him back here," said Sieler, 28, who played with Ogbah for the last four seasons. "He's always a competitor and truly brings a good atmosphere and good energy to the team. So, I'm excited to have him back." By all accounts the Dolphins are thrilled to have Ogbah back and are looking forward to the positive impact he will bring to the team. 

Sieler believes Ogbah will fit seamlessly into the new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver's system. 

"He could find his way into any system," Sieler said. "He's a great player, is competitive, and knows how to play football. I'm excited to have him back and work with him again and have that rapport with him playing next to him." Clearly, the Dolphins have full confidence in Ogbah's ability to adapt and thrive in any defensive system.


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Scott Salomon
SCOTT SALOMON

Scott Salomon joined Sports Illustrated in April 2024 covering breaking news and analysis for the Miami Dolphins channel. In June he joined Inside the Heat and Back in the Day NBA. Scott is based in South Florida and has been covering the local and national sports scene for 35 years. Scott has covered and has been credentialed for the Super Bowl, the NFL Combine, various Orange Bowls and college football championship games. Scott was also credentialed for the NBA All-Star game and covered the Miami Heat during their first six seasons for USA TODAY. Scott is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Communication and the St. Thomas University School of Law. Scott has two sons and his hobbies include watching sports on television and binge watching shows on various streaming services.

Harvey Fialkov
HARVEY FIALKOV

Harvey Fialkov has covered every professional South Florida sports team except soccer for several newspapers and The Associated Press for the last 30 years. Harvey has been the beat writer or backup on the Dolphins beat for two decades for the South Florida Sun Sentinel, including the end of Don Shula's Hall of Fame career to the Jimmy Johnson, Dave Wannstedt, Nick Saban, Cam Cameron and Tony Sparano years.