Former Bear Signing Larry Ogunjobi to Sign With Steelers
There was a time when the expectation was that Larry Ogunjobi was signing on to play in the middle of a defense called by head coach Matt Ebrlus. We were very excited by the "signature"...
In fact, he was the first big free-agent move from Ryan Poles' tenure as Bears general manager. Poles and HC Matt Eberflus clearly viewed Ogunjobi as the ideal three-technique for the Bears' new defense, a role worth 3 years and $40 million.
But, a failed physical nullified the deal, and Poles' big fish wriggled off the hook and back out into the free-agent market.
The Bears shifted their path to Plan B, inking a deal with DT Justin Jones to fill the spot left empty by the departure of Akiem Hicks.
For months Ogunjobi floated around the market, visiting teams as he searched for his new team. The Bears probably remained an option, willing to offer him a short-term, low-risk deal to acquire him, but in vain.
Ogunjobi found his new home Tuesday, agreeing to a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Larry Ogunjobi is a heckuva solid defensive tackle, and he might just be helping out the Pittsburgh Steelers d-line next season.
The 28-year-old Ogunjobi visited the Steelers after a recent visit to the New York Jets.
The Livingston, New Jersey native was drafted in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns. Ogunjobi spent four years as a Brown before crossing over to division rival Cincinnati last season.
He was rock-solid in 2021, reeling in 7.0 sacks and 49 tackles last season. In total, Ogunjobi has recorded 229 sacks, 21.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 pass deflection in his five-year career.
The Steelers are looking to complete their offseason roster. Ogunjobi may just be the final piece they are seeking, especially if he likes what he sees.
