Raiders tipped to complete deal for top experienced $65 Million star

The Miami Dolphins released Emmanuel Ogbah earlier this summer, making him a free agent. Ogbah, who previously inked a four-year, $65.4 million contract, is still on the market looking for his next team. When considering the greatest team fits for remaining free agents, ESPN’s Matt Bowen identified Ogbah as a fit for the Las Vegas Raiders.

“Maxx Crosby is a blue-chip player, and I see Malcolm Koonce as an ascending talent,” Bowen wrote in his May 20 essay about the best fits for the top remaining NFL free agents. “This provides the Raiders two effective edge defenders to complement freshly signed defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.

“That being said, there is still place for a rotational pass-rusher, which gives Ogbah an opportunity. He recorded five sacks in Miami last season and 42 in his eight seasons in the NFL. “When you play in the same division as Patrick Mahomes, you can never have enough pass-rushers.”

The Raiders added another former Dolphins defensive player in the summer, Christian Wilkins, so adding someone Wilkins knows could be of interest.

Why the Miami Dolphins Cut Emmanuel Ogbah

The Miami Dolphins faced significant cap space challenges this offseason, necessitating moves to free up funds. By releasing edge rusher Emmanuel Ogbah, the team cleared $13.7 million in cap space.

Thanks to the Ogbah move and other strategic releases, the Dolphins managed to acquire several key defensive players for the upcoming season. Although losing Christian Wilkins to the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency was a major setback, the Dolphins added high-caliber talent like Jordan Poyer, Shaquil Barrett, Jordyn Brooks, and Kendall Fuller.

Ogbah, a solid player evidenced by his nine-sack season in 2021, struggled with injuries in 2022 and started only one game after being a consistent starter in his first two seasons with the Dolphins. In the 2023-24 season, the 30-year-old recorded 5.5 sacks over 15 games, including one start.

 

What Ogbah Would Bring the Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders’ defense appears to have the potential to be one of the best in football, and adding another veteran who can do what Ogbah does will strengthen the team even more.

Ogbah does not need to be a starter to be good, as demonstrated last season, but the Raiders may view him as one because he had an outstanding season the last time he started. The Raiders, who play in a deep AFC West, will face Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert twice a season. Increasing their defensive capabilities should be a top goal.

At the very least, Ogbah may offer them insurance as a backup.

On March 23, Pro Football Network’s Nick Pedone ranked Ogbah as one of the top remaining free agents.

“While Christian Wilkins drew all of the attention in free agency, Emmanuel Ogbah was a critical component of Miami’s defensive line.

“At this stage of his career, Ogbah’s best fit is likely as a rotational defensive end, but that’s a valuable role to play on playoff teams,” Pedone stated. “Ogbah has started 71 games in his career and recorded 42.5 sacks. He would be a valuable complement to a rebuilding defense or an important rotation component on a championship unit.”