It seems like the Pittsburgh Steelers are loving to make the late afternoon/early evening news cycle. On Monday, reports came out that the organization made an external move and three-time All-Pro cornerback, Patrick Peterson would be signing with the franchise on a two-year deal. After losing Cameron Sutton to the Detroit Lions, it was a huge pick up. No news, however, may be bigger than what is being reported as of Tuesday. Pittsburgh is bringing back defensive lineman, Larry Ogunjobi on a three-year deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Steelers defensive lineman, Larry Ogunjobi stands on the field at Acrisure Stadium during a 2022 regular season matchup against rival, the Baltimore Ravens in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield
The team's defensive line was extremely depleted heading into the 2023 offseason and bringing Ogunjobi back, who had a very impactful first year with the Steelers, is a huge boost to the unit. Cameron Heyward won't have to do all of the heavy lifting when it comes to consistent performance in 2023.
Free-agent DT Larry Ogunjobi is headed back to the Steelers on a three-year deal that will pay him $21.75 million in the first two years of the deal, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2023
Ogunjobi played in 16 games and had 48 total tackles as well as seven tackles for loss and one and a half sacks. If him and Heyward can stay Healthy, the defensive line will absolutely be a strength going forward. He is getting a lot of money, but this is the same guy who received a three-year offer for over $40 million from the Chicago Bears in 2022, but ended up in Pittsburgh due to a failed physical with Chicago.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman, Larry Ogunjobi (#65 at the time) participates in 2022 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers Solidify Defensive Line Starters
There will be a rotation in 2023 as the organization's defensive linemen never play 100% of snaps, but this signing doesn't make the positional group a must-have right away in the 2023 NFL Draft. Ogunjobi is an experienced guy, but at just 28 years old, will be a key piece to the defensive front for the next few years.
This was a pressing need for the Steelers and rather than going out on the market (which was light as it stood coming into Tuesday), the front office rewarded someone who proved to be valuable in 2022. This is a great re-sign and Pittsburgh is filling several needs throughout the first two days of free agency.
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