Emmanuel Ogbah did not show up in Cleveland on Monday for the first day of the team’s offseason program. The veteran defensive end continues to be the subject of trade rumors, and that appears to be the reason for his absence.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Ogbah did not report because he expects to be traded in the near future.
Cleveland brought in a superior pass rusher in Olivier Vernon, acquired from the New York Giants in a trade for right guard Kevin Zeitler. That leaves Ogbah entering a contract year without a starting job.
The first pick of the second round of the 2016 NFL draft, Ogbah has played solid all-around defense but has produced just 12.5 sacks in his three seasons. He managed just 3 sacks in 14 games (all starts) in 2018 despite playing across from Pro Bowler Myles Garrett.
The offseason program this week is voluntary, but attendance is generally expected for all players.
