Breaking: Raiders Closing In On Deal To Sign $65 Million Veteran Starting Edge As Free Agent
Emmanuel Ogbah became a free agent after the Miami Dolphins released him earlier this offseason. Ogbah, who previously inked a four-year, $65.4 million contract, is still on the market looking for his next team. ESPN’s Matt Bowen suggests Ogbah could be a good fit for the Las Vegas Raiders among the remaining free agents.
“Maxx Crosby is a blue-chip player, and I see Malcolm Koonce as an ascending talent,” Bowen wrote in his May 20 piece about the best matches for elite 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 recently signed Christian Wilkins, a former Dolphins defensive player, and may be interested in adding someone with whom Wilkins is familiar.
Why the Miami Dolphins Cut Emmanuel Ogbah
The Miami Dolphins were in a tight cap space situation this offseason, necessitating measures to free up cap space. By dismissing the edge rusher, the Dolphins saved $13.7 million in cap space.
With the Ogbah trade and other offseason moves, the Dolphins were able to acquire players that should assist their defense this season. Despite losing Wilkins to the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency, the team also signed Jordan Poyer, Shaquil Barrett, Jordyn Brooks, Kendall Fuller, and other top defensive players.
Ogbah’s a good player, evident by his 2021 season when he posted nine sacks, but dealt with injuries in 2022 and only started in one game after being a nearly every game starter in his first two seasons with the Dolphins.
In the 2023-24 season, the 30-year-old posted 5.5 sacks in the 15 games he played, which included 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. In a competitive AFC West, the Raiders 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.”
