Key takeaways:
– The Miami Dolphins released Emmanuel Ogbah, who still seeks a new team.
– ESPN’s Matt Bowen has suggested the Las Vegas Raiders as a suitable fit for Ogbah.
– As an experienced edge defender, Ogbah could offer depth to the Raider’s current roster, featuring star defenders such as Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce.
– Despite a disappointing 2022 due to injuries, Ogbah proved his quality in preceding seasons.
Las Vegas Raiders Considers Emmanuel Ogbah
After his release in the offseason by the Miami Dolphins, Emmanuel Ogbah is enlisted among the top remaining free agents. His skills and experience have drawn the attention of various teams, with Matt Bowen of ESPN identifying a potential fit for Ogbah at the Las Vegas Raiders. Ogbah, who previously inked a four-year, $65.4 million contract with the Dolphins, boasts a record of 42 career sacks over eight league seasons.
Raiders’ Strategy and Ogbah’s Role
The Raiders team has recently added to its defensive prowess with the signing of former Dolphins’ defensive player Christian Wilkins. According to Bowen, Ogbah could be the missing link that balances the Raiders’ edge defenders. His commentary is underpinned by Ogbah’s successful record documenting five sacks in Miami last season.
“Maxx Crosby is a blue-chip player, and I see Malcolm Koonce as an ascending talent,” Bowen enthused, hinting at a promising future for the Raiders team. He postulated that complementing existing skills with Ogbah’s rotational pass-rushing abilities could be the key to tackling rival titans like Patrick Mahomes.
Miami Dolphins: Reasons for Releasing Ogbah
While Emmanuel Ogbah consistently proved his worth as a capable player, the Miami Dolphins were forced to consider more than performance alone. The team found itself pressed by budget constraints, necessitating a series of strategic releases and signings. Dealing Ogbah alone freed up $13.7 million in cap space, enabling the Dolphins to acquire talent such as Jordan Poyer, Shaquil Barrett, Jordyn Brooks, and Kendall Fuller.
However, it’s important not to discount Ogbah’s skills in this context. His 2021 season record of nine sacks stands tall, revealing his potential when injury-free. Although injuries in 2022 limited his appearances, his 5.5 sacks in the 2023-24 season over 15 games, including one start, displays his skill.
The Impact on Las Vegas Raiders
With the potential to become one of the top defenses in football, welcoming a seasoned player like Ogbah could enhance the Raiders’ definitive strength. Even as a non-starter, Ogbah’s performance remains impressive. In a division filled with challenges, Nick Pedone of Pro Football Network sees Ogbah as a significant addition, providing the Raiders with strategic depth and insurance.
“Ogbah has started 71 games in his career and has 42.5 sacks. He would be a valued addition to a rebuilding defense or a key rotation piece on a championship defense,” Pedone opined.
In conclusion, tagging an experienced professional like Emmanuel Ogbah to the Las Vegas Raiders team could be a masterstroke – only time will tell.