The Chicago Bears have made their first move of NFL free agency by landing former Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi.
With the transition to a 4-3 defense, the Bears have locked down a dominant 3-technique in Ogunjobi, who is coming off a career year with the Bengals in 2021. And it sounds like Chicago is paying him accordingly.
According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, Ogunjobi’s contract is slated to be a big one. It’s a three-year deal worth $40.5 million, including $26.35 million guaranteed.
Larry Ogunjobi's contract with the #Bears will be a big one.
3-year deal worth $40.5 million. It includes $26.35 million guaranteed.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) March 14, 2022
Last season, Ogunjobi had 49 tackles, including 12 tackles-for-loss, seven sacks and 40 total pressures in the regular season. He was a huge part of Cincinnati’s Super Bowl run. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending foot injury in the wild-card round. His surgery was said to have gone well, and he should be good to go for the Bears.
With Ogunjobi’s addition, Bilal Nichols’ future in Chicago is looking more uncertain but not out of the question. If the Bears can land Nichols on an affordable deal, Chicago could have a nice pairing on the interior with Ogunjobi and Nichols.
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