The Pittsburgh Steelers have dipped into the free-agent market to shore up their defensive front. The team confirmed on Tuesday that they signed veteran defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi, who will join on a one-year deal.
Ogunjobi had a career year in 2021 as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals. He started 16 games and contributed 7.5 sacks, 49 tackles, and 16 QB hits. His 12 tackles for loss were the most out of all Bengals players.
As a result, the Charlotte product attracted quite an interest in free agency and ended up landing a three-year, $40.5 million contract with the Chicago Bears. However, the Bears never went through with the deal as Ogunjobi failed his physical. The 28-year-old had a foot injury at the start of the playoffs that needed surgery.
It looks like Ogunjobi fully recovered in the meantime, as the Steelers finalized the deal. He is expected to make a real contribution and maybe have another breakthrough season in Pittsburgh’s already potent defense that would allow him to land a long-term deal next year.
Larry Ogunjobi entered the league as a third-round pick for the Cleveland Browns. After an encouraging rookie year, Ogunjobi was installed as the team’s starting defensive tackle and remained in this role for the following three years. He ended up leaving ahead of the 2021 campaign to join the Bengals.
