Shaquil Barrett‘s retirement has left the Dolphins in search of help along the edge at the start of training camp. Miami will bring in Emmanuel Ogbah for a visit today, but he is not the only free agent who will receive a look. 
Yannick Ngakoue will also visit the Dolphins today, as confirmed by agent Drew Rosenhaus (via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald). The 29-year-old remained on the free agent market well into the summer last year, though he still managed to secure a $10.5MM Bears deal. Ngakoue’s value took a hit considering how the 2023 campaign played out.
The former second-rounder was a full-time starter for 13 games in Chicago until a season-ending ankle injury shut him down. Ngakoue was limited to four sacks, making 2023 the first season in his career during which he failed to record at least eight. The journeyman (who is certainly not known for his run defense) hoped to find a new home before training camp, but this will be his first known free agent visit.
The Bears were not active along the edge during free agency, leading some to believe a reunion with Ngakoue could be in the cards. General manager Ryan Poles recently expressed confidence in Chicago’s incumbent defense ends, however, so any additions may need to wait until training camp is well underway. Ngakoue is one of many free agents who could step into at least a depth role if a Miami agreement were to be worked out.
The Dolphins have Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips atop the depth chart, but both are rehabbing the injuries which ended their respective 2023 seasons. Depth early in the season will be critical if one or both are unable to suit up for Week 1. Barrett was on track for a notable workload as a result before he elected to hang up his cleats. Now, Calais Campbell and any addition made in the coming days will join rookies Chop Robinson and Mohammed Kamara as Miami’s edge options for the summer.
Like Ogbah, Ngakoue will no doubt be forced to take a deal worth far less than his previous one when he signs with a new team. The Dolphins have just over $12MM in cap space, so a contract for either one should be feasible.
I don’t want him back with the Bears. He only picked up his modest sack total after the Sweat trade. He was a blue spot on a blue wall before that. He’s also horrendous against the run and can’t shut down the edge.
I hope the Dolphins sign him. He was a total bust in Chicago last year.
He clearly did not want to be in Chicago. The first year in his career below eight sacks. He is not a super dominant end but very serviceable. He either has to be a locker room cancer or wants way more than he is worth. He has been in too many teams in the last four years to be any other reason. If he was no good he would out of the league.
Good. I hope he signs with the Dolphins. He’s toast.