When Emmanuel Ogbah was released by the Miami Dolphins in February, he didn’t think his time with the team was completely over. He just didn’t think the reunion would come so soon.
“I honestly wouldn’t have believed it, but I always knew I was going to be back here eventually,” Ogbah told reporters Thursday. “I have unfinished business here, so that’s what I’m ready to take care of here.”
Ogbah, 30, first joined the Dolphins in 2020 on a two-year deal and signed a four-year extension with the team in 2022. But following the departure of Brian Flores and the emergence of Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, Ogbah’s role diminished and he was released by Miami in February with two years left on his deal.
For five months, Ogbah sat on the free agency market until the surprising retirement of Shaquil Barrett opened up a spot on the Dolphins’ roster.
“I had all the time in the world to get ready, mentally prepare, physically prepare, just to get ready for this season,” Ogbah said. I didn’t know where I was going to be, but I’m just happy to be here.
“It came down to two teams, and I picked Miami because I feel like unfinished business here, so that’s why I’m excited to be back.”
The Dolphins could use early results from Ogbah. Both Chubb and Phillips are on the PUP list as they continue to recover from injuries that ended their respective 2023 campaigns. Miami also drafted Chop Robinson and Mohamed Kamara, but expecting rookie pass rushers to be productive is a lot to ask.
Ogbah’s contributions could be crucial while Chubb and Phillips get back up to speed. And he has plenty of motivation to prove his reunion with the Dolphins is a worthwhile one.
