Now that the season has finally come to a close, and the Miami Dolphins have head coach Mike McDaniel under contract and filling out his staff, general manager Chris Grier can begin building the roster for the 2022 season.
The Dolphins are set to have 28 unrestricted, restricted, or exclusive rights free agents this offseason, including some of their most talented players. One of the names atop that list is defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah.
Ogbah has spent two years in Miami to this point, recording 83 tackles, 45 quarterback hits, 18 sacks, 17 pass deflections, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries while playing in every possible game.
The 29-year-old had struggled in the early part of his career, leading him to sign that two-year contract for just $15 million. Now, this offseason, he could see a payday that could be $15 million per season. PFF has projected his contract to be roughly $46.5 million over three, equaling $15.5 million annually.
With Miami keeping defensive coordinator Josh Boyer and likely the same scheme, they would be smart to keep Ogbah around. He’s had his two best years in this system and has definitely helped guys like Jaelan Phillips, Christian Wilkins, and Jerome Baker get more pressure.
The Dolphins have roughly $64 million in cap space this offseason, according to Over the Cap, and a good chunk of that should be used to make sure Ogbah stays. A contract for $15 million is more than reasonable, considering the market for the position. That would put him around 15th in terms of highest-paid edge rushers by average annual value just behind Leonard Floyd of the Los Angeles Rams.
Of all of their free agents, the 28-year-old should be Miami’s priority.
