Dolphins bring back 42-sack veteran as Shaq Barrett's replacement

The Miami Dolphins have added to their defensive line. Following the retirement of Shaq Barrett, Miami reportedly signed free-agent pass rusher Emmanuel Ogbah on Tuesday.

Barrett surprisingly announced his retirement on Saturday, and the Dolphins moved quickly to sign Ogbah, whom they released in a cup-saving move earlier this offseason. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Miami recruited the pass rusher on a one-year deal.

Ogbah has spent the last four years with the Dolphins, and last season, he recorded five sacks, one interception and one forced fumble.

Although he had a productive year last season, Ogbah remained on the market for a couple of months, but NFL insider Cameron Wolfe reported Ogbah had interest from the Kansas City Chiefs but decided to return to Miami.

"Emmanuel Ogbah had interest elsewhere including from the Chiefs, per source, but returns back to Dolphins where he had 24.5 sacks in last 4 seasons in Miami. Dolphins change in DC to Anthony Weaver should provide a better fit and more opportunities for Ogbah," Wolfe reported.

Ogbah was drafted in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns and spent his first three years with them before playing one season with the Chiefs. After winning the Super Bowl in 2020 with Kansas City, Ogbah signed with Miami and has been with the Dolphins for the past four years.

Dolphins defense looks 'spooky' with new DC

After Miami lost in the wildcard round to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Dolphins mutually parted ways with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

In replacing Fangio, Miami hired Anthony Weaver, who had been an assistant coach with the Baltimore Ravens. In OTAs, left tackle Terrion Armstead was impressed with Miami's defense, as he said it was "spooky" with how well they disguised plays.

"I love where we are. We have a great blend of youth and veterans now," left tackle Terron Armstead said recently on the 'Up & Adams' show (via NFL website). "Bringing in Weave (defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver), too, from Baltimore, watching the defense in OTAs and minicamp was spooky. The looks, the disguises, the weapons that he has and the way that he's using those guys, I love where we are."

Miami is set to open the 2024 NFL season at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars before hosting the Buffalo Bills. The Dolphins' first road game will be in Week 3, when they go on the road to play the Seattle Seahawks.