Emmanuel Ogbah looked good for the Chiefs in 2019. Kansas City wanted him back in 2024 but he joined the Miami Dolphins instead. So, seven seasons after his initial stint with the team, what exactly are the Chiefs getting with Ogbah's return?
For those who missed the news, the Chiefs signed Ogbah to a one-year deal on Tuesday that brings a veteran presence to an incredibly inexperienced group of defensive ends. Ogbah was set for a tryout with the Atlanta Falcons on the same day, so it's clear the Chiefs felt pressured to swoop in or lose him in the process. Having already missed out on another veteran in Cam Jordan earlier this summer, it made sense why K.C. would make the offer.
But Ogbah has been sitting as an available pass rusher for the last several months, ever since his contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars expired. And with only a half-sack one year ago with the Jags, it's safe to wonder what a 32-year-old vet has left. To get a better sense of what Chiefs Kingdom can expect from Ogbah's arrival, we reached out to a couple of editors who have covered him in the last few seasons.
First, Carlos Hernandez, editor for Black and Teal, which covers the Jaguars, gave us some insight into Ogbah's worst year in terms of productivity in '25.
"The Ogbah signing looked good on paper," said Hernandez. "After all, the Jags didn't have an established No. 3, and he had been productive in a rotational role in the past. This is why early in the season, Ogbah got plenty of time and even saw an uptick in snaps when Travon Walker missed time. However, he wasn't able to do much with them, which is why he was phased out in favor of undrafted rookies Danny Striggow and B.J. Green II late in the year. The truth is that Ogbah looked slow during his stint in Jacksonville. This may be why he had to wait several months to find a team, but maybe the Chiefs can squeeze whatever gas he has left."
Chiefs fans will find a bit more inspiration, however, from Brian Miller, an editor who covered Ogbah's time with the Dolphins, where he put up consecutive seasons of 5 sacks and started every game for the Fins in '24. Miller covers Miami for Phin Phanatic and has a much more generous view of Ogbah's potential in K.C.
"Emmanuel Ogbah was one of the most underrated players on the Dolphins' defense despite playing five seasons for them," said Miller. "Ogbah’s biggest problem wasn’t his own. Former GM Chris Grier overpaid him to the tune of $65 million in 2022. The four-year contract was later terminated. Ogbah was efficient in Miami. He is a quality depth piece that will provide the Chiefs with a fresh set of legs, but he is no more than a rotational player at this stage. Honestly, I wish he would have rejoined the Dolphins as part of their rotation."
That rotational quotient is all the Chiefs need from him. George Karlaftis is already holding down one side of the line and there's very real disruptive potential along the interior. What the Chiefs need is a veteran who can provide some security while waiting for younger players like second-year lineman Ashton Gillotte and rookie R Mason Thomas to blossom as they become more comfortable.
If Ogbah can put a frustrating season behind him and provide some meaningful part-time snaps in K.C., that should be enough for Steve Spagnuolo's pass-rushing hopes.
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