Emmanuel Ogbah’s return to the Dolphins: Opportunities and unfinished business

A former second-round pick of the Cleveland Browns, Emmanuel Ogbah solidified himself as a stout edge rusher with back-to-back nine-sack seasons with the Miami Dolphins. He was released at the end of last season after struggling to fit in Vic Fangio’s defense but wasn’t away long.

“It came down to two teams,” Ogbah said at Thursday’s practice. ”I picked Miami because I feel like unfinished business here, so that’s why I’m excited to be back.”

NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reported that the Kansas City Chiefs had been interested in signing Ogbah before his return to Miami. The Dolphins drafted defensive end Chop Robinson No. 21 overall in the NFL Draft but needed additional reinforcements after Shaq Barrett announced his decision to retire from football.

“I had all the time in the world to get ready,” Ogbah said, “mentally prepare, physically prepare, just to get ready for this season. I didn’t know where I was going to be, but I’m just happy to be here.

“I had all the time in the world, like I said, to get ready, so whatever call I got, I knew I was going to be ready.”

Ogbah was released in February with two years left on a four-year, $65.4 million extension signed in 2022. The move opened $13 million in salary cap space while leaving $4 million on the books as dead money. He’s back on a one-year deal with a base salary of $2 million and is eager to turn the page in first-year defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver’s system.

“The energy is different,” Ogbah said of the defense. “The team morale is different. It’s just guys want to play for each other, guys are having fun again going out there.

“I don’t have a specific spot, so I’m everywhere on the d-line or OLB, so I’m just ready to play whatever that need is.”