The Miami Dolphins released veteran defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah on Friday, and cornerback Xavien Howard is likely following him out the door.
The Dolphins informed Howard they will release him, NFL Network and ESPN reported Friday.
Howard, 30, is a four-time Pro Bowl selection and former first-team All-Pro who collected 29 interceptions in eight NFL seasons, all with Miami. He led the NFL in interceptions in 2018 (seven) and 2020 (10).
Howard had 45 tackles, 12 pass breakups and one interception in 13 games (all starts) last season.
The Dolphins stand to save $18.5 million in cap space if they make Howard a post-June 1 cut.
As for Ogbah, releasing him before June 1 will save the Dolphins $13.7 million in cap space.
Ogbah originally signed a two-year deal with the Dolphins as an unrestricted free agent in the spring of 2020.
Ogbah, 30, collected nine sacks in each of his first two seasons, and the Dolphins rewarded him with a four-year, $65 million extension in early 2022.
However, he was limited to nine games (three starts) in 2022, notching only one sack, and saw his season end early due to a triceps issue.
Last season, Ogbah played a rotational role under new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who has since taken the same position with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played in 15 games (one start) and notched 5.5 sacks, one forced fumble and an interception.
Ogbah will not have to wait for the March 13 unrestricted free-agent signing deadline and will be free to sign with any team.
Ogbah played in 107 games (71 starts) with the Cleveland Browns (2016-18), Kansas City Chiefs (2019) and Miami (2020-2023), recording 42.5 sacks and eight forced fumbles. During his stint with Kansas City, he earned a ring with the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV victory.
