Miami Dolphins: 3 free agents-to-be that deserve new contracts

Emmanuel Ogbah

When the Miami Dolphins got off to their abysmal start to the season, the defense that had kept them in so many games last year was a shell of its former self. Handfuls of players suffered regressions in their performance, but lineman Emmanuel Ogbah has been a pillar of consistency throughout.

The leading sack producer on the team in 2020, Ogbah has carried over his production this season with six takedowns through twelve games so far this season. He has hit the quarterback seven times during the Dolphins’ four-game resurgence despite playing less than 80 percent of defensive snaps. Ogbah has recorded a batted pass in seven straight games, which, according to Fox Sports, is the longest streak by a defensive lineman in the last 20 years.

Ogbah signed a two-year deal worth $15 million with Miami in 2020, a contract that he undoubtedly outplayed. The Dolphins should be looking in to locking him in for a few more years when or before he hits free agency this spring and solidify him as an anchor of the defensive line. Despite having all but two of its eight members locked in to deals beyond 2021, Miami’s defensive line is one of the cheaper ones in the league. The Dolphins should be able to allocate some extra money for an established pass rusher, especially if they are able to cut a few costs at other positions.