The Pittsburgh Steelers were expected to have a number of cap casualties during the 2025 offseason, one of which being defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi. The Steelers waited to release the veteran, but the organization made the move official on Monday. Ogunjobi had a roster bonus that would have hit on March 12th, but the Steelers released him prior to that date and will save $7 million against the cap in 2025 by making the move.
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Former Steelers defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi celebrates after making a play in 2024.
Ogunjobi has been with Pittsburgh since the 2022 season and he signed a new deal ahead of the 2023 season. He had one year left on his deal and was going to be paid roughly $10 million in 2025, but the Steelers decided to part ways with the veteran defender. The team will still owe Ogunjobi $3 million, but overall the move creates flexibility for Pittsburgh. The news of the release was broken by NFL insider Ian Rapoport after the tampering period began on Monday.
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Former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi during a home game in 2022.
The move will free up more resources for the Steelers to be active in free agency, as the move puts the organization back up over $50 million in cap space for the 2025 season. The Steelers should be expected defensive linemen in the 2025 NFL Draft, and some additions at the position should be expected in free agency as well. Ogunjobi ultimately did not live up to the contract he signed in 2023, as he struggled with injuries and production.
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Former Steelers defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi during a home game in the 2023 season.
Steelers Now Have More Cap Space To Make Moves In Free Agency
The Steelers have plenty of needs to address during free agency, which includes defensive line depth and the quarterback position. The extra $7 million Pittsburgh created is going to help the team address these needs and more, and will also create flexibility when it comes to any other trades Pittsburgh will look to complete.
There are still some valuable players available awaiting deals in free agency. The Steelers can look to reunite with a player like Javon Hargrave, or look to upgrade the slot cornerback position with Nate Hobbs. Either player would give the defense a boost, and now the Steelers have even more cap space to explore those opportunities.
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Former Steelers defensive lineman Javon Hargrave while with the San Francisco 49ers.
The move to release Ogunjobi was expected, and now the veteran defensive lineman will be searching for a new home ahead of the 2025 season. He will likely be making less than the $10 million that was on the final deal of his contract in Pittsburgh, but he will earn the opportunity to get a fresh start elsewhere.
What do you think of the move to release Ogunjobi? Let us know in the comments below!
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