The Arizona Cardinals have the opportunity to surprise the world in 2024, and one prominent outlet believes they could accomplish this goal by signing free agent Emmanuel Ogbah. Arizona entered the 2023 season as the consensus worst team in football. While they lived up to that reputation in the first half of the season, the team improved dramatically once Kyler Murray returned to the lineup. Despite the quarterback knocking off rust, Arizona went 3-5 with the former first-overall pick on the field.
Arizona could be even better in 2024. With Murray back to his old self, Trey McBride established as a legitimate weapon, and a potential superstar in Marvin Harrison Jr., the Cardinals have the offensive firepower to make some noise in the upcoming season. What they lack, however, is a pass rush, and Bleacher Report believes that free agent Emmanuel Ogbah could be exactly what the doctor ordered.
It would behoove the Cardinals to add to their pass rush, and Emmanuel Ogbah, who recorded 5.5 sacks with the Miami Dolphins last season, should garner strong consideration. He last played in a Vic Fangio defense, a system that shares many similarities with Gannon’s.
Arizona Cardinals Could Sign Emmanuel Ogbah
After a solid season under head coach Mike McDaniel, Emmanuel Ogbah became a free agent in a cost-cutting move by the Miami Dolphins. The pass rusher’s best seasons with the Dolphins came under then-head coach Brian Flores, but a series of injuries and questionable scheme fits prevented the Oklahoma State product from reaching his ceiling over the past two seasons.
With that being said, the one-time Super Bowl champion remained relatively productive last year. Appearing in 15 games, the defensive lineman finished the season with 5.5 sacks, 20 tackles, three tackles-for-loss, nine quarterback hits, and one interception. Emmanuel Ogbah is no longer a superstar, but if the Cardinals don’t take a shot on him, then some other team will.
Other Potential Fits
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens had the most talented roster in the league last year. Unfortunately, the limits of the NFL’s salary cap forced them to part ways with multiple starters over the past few months. While the team retained Justin Madubuike, they must find a proper replacement for Jadeveon Clowney. Third-round pick Adisa Isaac can potential, but Emmanuel Ogbah can provide immediate support as a free agent. The Ravens have a long track record of getting the most out of aging pass rushers, and Ogbah could be their latest reclamation project.
Detroit Lions
The Lions came inches away from making it to the Super Bowl last year, and they’ve made all the right moves to pull off the feat next year. After extending their core and bolstering their secondary, Detroit should feel good about their chances heading into the season. However, they could use another pass rusher, and Emmanuel Ogbah is one of the best free agent options on the market. Ogbah is better off in a situational role at this point in his career, and letting him play a part-time role behind Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport could bring out the best in the veteran.
Carolina Panthers
No single player can replace Brian Burns, and the Panthers can recreate his production with multiple signings. Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum ensure that Carolina will get after the quarterback, but Emmanuel Ogbah can provide additional support along the defensive line. Ogbah can move inside, and pairing him with star defensive tackle Derrick Brown could give the Panthers the defensive weaponry required to win some low-scoring games.
Kansas City Chiefs
Chris Jones and George Karlaftis are both great players, but Kansas City could use another weapon capable of getting after the quarterback. Opposing offenses constantly throw the ball to keep up with Patrick Mahomes, which makes Emmanuel Ogbah an ideal free agent signing. His subpar run defense won’t matter as much in Kansas City, and Andy Reid should know exactly what the defensive lineman brings to the table.
Atlanta Falcons
With Kirk Cousins fixing the offense, the Falcons aggressively attacked the defensive line during the 2024 NFL Draft. While these young players give Atlanta some long-term hope, this all-in club could use a free agent like Emmanuel Ogbah who can make a Day 1 impact. The defensive lineman shouldn’t cost too much and can also serve as a mentor for the incoming class of talent.
Main Photo: Denny Simmons – USA Today Sports
