NFL Rumors: Emmanuel Ogbah to Be Released by Dolphins Ahead of 2024 Free Agency

The Miami Dolphins plan to release defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah on Friday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Ogbah initially agreed to a four-year contract worth $65 million with the team in March 2022, although he's recorded just 6.5 total sacks in 24 games over the past two seasons.

Per ESPN's Field Yates, releasing the 30-year-old pass-rusher clears $14 million in cap space for the Dolphins as the team attempts to get under the salary cap.

The writing appeared to be on the wall for Ogbah, as his playing time decreased significantly in 2023 as he struggled to stand out in a 3-4 scheme implemented by new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Although Fangio has moved on to the Philadelphia Eagles, the former second-round pick will be looking for a new home as well.

According to Pro Football Reference, Ogbah played a career-low 25 percent of Miami's defensive snaps in 2023. Younger defensive ends Jaelan Phillips and Andrew Van Ginkel were on the field for 71 percent and 66 percent of the Dolphins' defensive plays, respectively.

The money saved by cutting Ogbah could be used to retain Van Ginkel, who wrapped up an impressive 2023 campaign for Miami. The 28-year-old recorded six sacks, eight tackles for loss, and eight passes defensed while making 11 starts throughout the year. He's currently set to enter free agency.

Ogbah will likely have several suitors in free agency, as he's shown that he can still be a productive player although he may no longer be worth his previous $65 million price tag. He recorded nine sacks in consecutive years for the Dolphins from 2020 through 2021 and has totaled at least 5.5 sacks in a single season for three separate teams throughout his career.