Jaguars Defensive End Emmanuel Ogbah Set to Hit Free Agency

What could Ogbah's next contract look like, and will the Jaguars re-sign the veteran pass rusher?

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah is set to become a free agent this offseason. According to Spotrac, Ogbah is projected to earn a one-year, $2.41 million contract in free agency, with comparisons made to players like Jihad Ward, Bud Dupree, and Jerry Hughes. While Ogbah provided veteran depth for the Jaguars in the first half of the season, his role diminished as the year progressed, with younger players like Danny Striggow and BJ Green earning more opportunities. Given Ogbah's reduced playing time by the end of the season, the article predicts the Jaguars may go in a different direction at defensive end rather than re-signing the 32-year-old.

Why it matters

The Jaguars' defensive end position is a key need heading into the offseason, and Ogbah's potential departure would leave a hole that the team would need to address through free agency or the draft. His veteran experience and familiarity with the coaching staff could make him a potential re-signing target, but his diminished role late in the season suggests the Jaguars may prioritize younger, ascending talent at the position.

The details

Ogbah finished the 2025 season with 16 quarterback pressures, one sack, and 13 tackles, according to Pro Football Focus. He was a regular part of the Jaguars' defensive end rotation early in the year but saw his playing time reduced as the season went on, with younger players like Striggow and Green earning more opportunities.

  • Ogbah is set to become a free agent this upcoming offseason.

The players

Emmanuel Ogbah

A 32-year-old defensive end who played for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025.

Danny Striggow

A Jaguars defensive end who earned more playing time as the 2025 season progressed.

BJ Green

A Jaguars defensive end who earned more playing time as the 2025 season progressed.

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What they’re saying

“At this contract projection, perhaps there's a path back to Jacksonville, given that defensive end depth is a big need. However, considering that Ogbah's role was quite minimal by season's end, I would guess that the Jaguars go in a different direction when addressing this position.”

— Paul Bretl, Author (yahoo.com)

The takeaway

The Jaguars will need to carefully evaluate their options at defensive end this offseason, weighing the potential value of re-signing the veteran Ogbah against the opportunity to invest in younger, ascending talent at the position. Ogbah's reduced playing time late in the 2025 season suggests the Jaguars may prioritize other options, but his experience and familiarity with the coaching staff could still make him a consideration.