Emmanuel Ogbah has returned to the Miami Dolphins after a short stint in free agency, driven by what he describes as “unfinished business” with the NFL team. Released by the Dolphins in February, the 30-year-old defensive end was quickly snapped back up by the team following an unforeseen vacancy created by Shaquil Barrett’s sudden retirement.
Ogbah initially signed with the Dolphins in 2020 and had re-upped his commitment with a four-year contract extension in 2022. However, after changes in the coaching staff and the rise of other talents like Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, his role became less central, leading to his release while two years still remained on his contract.
Throughout the offseason, as Ogbah navigated his options in free agency, he maintained physical and mental preparations for a potential callup, which finally came from Miami. The decision to return was made from a shortlist of two potential teams.
Ogbah chose the Dolphins, citing the pull of unfinished goals as his main motivation for the decision. “I picked Miami because I feel like I have unfinished business here,” Ogbah explained during a press meeting on Thursday.
Ogbah’s return is timely for the Dolphins, who are grappling with injuries to both Chubb and Phillips, leaving them on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. As the team’s younger players like Chop Robinson and Mohamed Kamara adjust to the demands of the NFL, Ogbah’s experience and drive could play a pivotal role in bolstering the Dolphins’ defensive line in the early parts of the season.
The reunion presents Ogbah with a profound personal and professional opportunity to demonstrate his enduring worth to the team and to help drive the Dolphins toward a successful season.