Defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi agrees to 3-year deal to return to Steelers

Joe Rutter
Tuesday, March 14, 2023 5:36 p.m. | Tuesday, March 14, 2023 5:36 p.m.

Go Ad-Free Today!

AP

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi looks on before a game, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, in Pittsburgh.

Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review

The Steelers’ Larry Ogunjobi pressures Raiders quarterback Derek Carr as he throws an interception to to Cameron Sutton in the fourth quarter Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022 at Acrisure Stadium.

Larry Ogunjobi is getting the big contract this offseason that he thought he had secured in 2022.

Ogunjobi on Tuesday agreed to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers on a three-year deal worth a reported $28.75 million.

Ogunjobi, a 28-year-old defensive tackle, spent last season with the Steelers after agreeing to a one-year, $8 million contract in June. It came after a three-year, $40.5 million deal with the Chicago Bears fell through in March in free agency when Ogunjobi couldn’t pass a physical.

The Steelers added Ogunjobi after Stephon Tuitt’s sudden retirement. Ogunjobi helped solidify an aging defensive line and started 16 games for the Steelers despite being unable to practice for much of the second half of the season because of injuries.

Related

• LB Robert Spillane set to leave Steelers, sign 2-year deal with Las Vegas Raiders
• Steelers agree to contract with free-agent guard Nate Herbig, bring back Damontae Kazee
• Tim Benz: Steelers waiting on ILB market despite manageable deals across the NFL

Ogunjobi contributed 48 tackles, 1.5 sacks and 11 quarterback hits while playing 63% of the snaps in the defensive line rotation. By retaining Ogunjobi, the Steelers have another starter in the fold alongside Cameron Heyward.

Tyson Alualu and Chris Wormley, are the other free agents from the Steelers’ defensive line. The Steelers are expected to fortify their defensive line in the NFL Draft. They hold the Nos. 17, 32 and 49 selections over the first two rounds.