Pittsburgh Steelers sign former Bengals defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi
The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed a five-year veteran defensive lineman from the Cincinnati Bengals, Larry Ogunjobi. Ogunjobi spent his first four years in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns before joining the Bengals last season and becoming a key part of their Super Bowl run. After starting 16 games for the Bengals last year, he suffered a foot injury in the wild card round that prevented him from playing the rest of the postseason.
Steelers sign Larry Ogunjobi
Ogunjobi previously signed a free agency deal with the Chicago Bears this offseason, but the agreed upon deal fell through after he failed his physical with the team. His previous foot injury suffered last season appears to not be as serious of an issue for the Steelers as they have signed him to a one-year contract to bolster their defensive line.
With longtime defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt leaving via retirement, Ogunjobi could be called upon to replace the production Tuitt gave them in the 2020 season when he recorded 11 sacks. Tuitt did not play the entire 2021 season following the tragic death of his brother and retired officially this season as he feels ready to move beyond football.
Ogunjobi has now played for three separate teams in the AFC North division, leaving the Baltimore Ravens as the only team among the rivals to not have a season with Ogunjobi on their roster.
The former Charlotte 49ers star has started every game he’s played over the last four seasons, and has 21.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in his career. Last season with the Bengals, he recorded a career-high seven sacks and 16 quarterback hits as the middle of their defensive front.
The Steelers also added a high-value prospect on their defensive line via the draft when they selected DeMarvin Leal from Texas A&M in the third round.