Ryan Poles dropped a not-so-subtle hint that the Chicago Bears may dabble in the trade market for pass rush help. Speculation has centered around some obvious targets. Chase Young in Washington is probably the most popular. However, it appears the Commanders aren’t willing to go that far yet. It keeps the question open as to who the Bears may have a shot at. Za’Darius Smith was already sent to Cleveland. There is a strong belief other moves may come soon, perhaps after the June 1st deadline when contracts become cheap to unload.
One name not being talked about in national circles is Emmanuel Ogbah. The veteran defensive end missed the final seven games in Miami last year with a triceps injury. The Dolphins traded for Bradley Chubb and have an ascending talent in Jaelan Phillips. Adding further uncertainty to Ogbah’s status is the arrival of new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who runs a 3-4 system. Combine that with the signing of veteran pass rusher Malik Reed with his ties to Fangio, and Ogbah’s situation in Miami seems in doubt.
The Chicago Bears have good reasons to eye Ogbah.
For one, he would likely be cheap. He turns 30 this year and is coming off a season-ending injury. Miami has no leverage if they do hope to unload his expensive contract. Remember, the Dolphins will be $31 million over the salary cap next year. Trading Ogbah after June 1st would net them $15 million in cap space. It makes sense from every angle. The longer they want to make a move, the lower his return becomes. One must also not overlook the connection he has to Poles.
Ogbah spent a season in Kansas City, helping them win the Super Bowl in 2019. So the Chicago Bears GM knows what he can bring to the table. In the two years before his injury last season, he had 18 sacks. While not a Julius Peppers or Khalil Mack, the guy is a capable rusher when healthy. The Bears can afford his contract. If he doesn’t work out, they can cut him for $13.8 million in space next off-season. It isn’t the perfect solution, but it would ease the concerns about their edge rush.
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