It didn't take long for Larry Ogunjobi to find a new home. After the veteran defensive tackle became an expected cap casualty by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday, NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Buffalo Bills are set to sign Ogunjobi on Wednesday.
Ogunjobi began his journey with the Steelers as a free agent in 2022. Coming off a productive 2021 season with the Cincinnati Bengals which included seven sacks and 12 tackles for a loss, Pittsburgh inked the defensive tackle to a one-year deal worth $8 million.
However, Ogunjobi's debut year with the Steelers didn't go as planned. Despite starting 16 games, Ogunjobi made a limited impact as an interior pass —earning just 1.5 sacks and seven tackles for a loss in 2022.
This didn't stop Omar Khan and the front office from inking Ogunjobi to a three-year, $28.75 million extension during the 2023 offseason. Over the last two seasons (32 games), Ogunjobi recorded a mere 4.5 sacks and eight tackles for a loss. The Steelers' decision to cut him loose this offseason was easy.
Ogunjobi finished his Pittsburgh Steelers career starting 45 of 48 games played while recording 132 tackles, six sacks, 15 tackles for a loss, and 26 quarterback hits. The 30-year-old now joins a Buffalo Bills team desperate to improve their defense.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must fill defensive tackle void in free agency with Larry Ogunjobi gone
It never made sense for Larry Ogunjobi to stick around and play out the final year of his contract in 2025. The Steelers were overpaying for a veteran defensive tackle who routinely got washed out against the run and wasn't productive as a pass rusher.
But even if he felt like just another guy on the field most of the time, there's no question Pittsburgh needs more help at defensive tackle with Ogunjobi gone.
Unfortunately, the remaining options in free agency are slim. Teams paid a premium for free-agent defensive tackle talent and the best available players flew off the shelf early when the doors opened on the NFL negotiation period. Former Eagles DT Milton Williams broke the bank—earning $26 million per season with the New England Patriots.
It already looked like the interior defensive line could be Pittsburgh's biggest need entering the 2025 NFL Draft, but before they get there, they need to have their bases covered. Adding a defensive tackle in free agency is a must, and it's time to get active.