- The Miami Dolphins appear to be moving on from former second-round draft pick Noah Igbinoghene, despite ongoing challenges and depth concerns in their secondary. Once seen as a promising young talent, Igbinoghene was selected 30th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft and signed a four-year, $11.25 million contract that included over $7 million in guaranteed money. However, his tenure with the team has been marked by inconsistency, limited playing time, and underwhelming performance on the field.
Igbinoghene struggled to find a regular role in Miami’s defense, often being buried deep on the depth chart behind more productive and experienced cornerbacks. Even as the Dolphins have faced injuries and uncertainty in the defensive backfield, the coaching staff showed a lack of confidence in turning to him as a viable long-term solution. His snap counts remained low over multiple seasons, and he frequently found himself inactive on game days.
What makes the move notable is that it comes during a time when Miami’s secondary is far from stable. The team has dealt with injuries, including setbacks to key players like Jalen Ramsey and others, forcing younger and less experienced players into larger roles. Despite this, the organization has opted to part ways with Igbinoghene, signaling that they believe other options—either on the current roster or via free agency—are more reliable or offer greater upside.
The decision to move on from a player with such a significant investment reflects a broader philosophy shift within the Dolphins’ front office. Under general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel, Miami has shown a willingness to admit when a draft pick doesn’t pan out as expected. Cutting ties with Igbinoghene may be a difficult pill to swallow financially, but it clears a roster spot for someone who may be a better fit in the current defensive scheme.
Igbinoghene’s time in Miami will likely be viewed as a cautionary tale about projecting athletic upside over refined technique and game-readiness. While he was lauded for his speed and raw talent coming out of Auburn, he struggled with coverage consistency and route anticipation in the NFL. His inability to translate athleticism into reliable play at the pro level ultimately limited his opportunities.
As for what’s next, Igbinoghene will likely get another shot elsewhere. Teams in need of cornerback depth could be willing to take a chance on his potential, hoping a change of scenery and coaching can unlock what the Dolphins couldn’t. For now, though, Miami is making it clear that they’re ready to move forward without him as they continue reshaping their roster ahead of the new season.
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