Steelers DT Larry Ogunjobi Needs to Justify His High Cap Hit With Better Production in 2024

Just four years ago, Larry Ogunjobi was public enemy No. 2 in Pittsburgh after knocking down Mason Rudolph from behind following the infamous helmet-hitting incident with Myles Garret and the Cleveland Browns. Nowadays, he is a vital piece of the Steelers’ defense but he is entering a critical year in his tenure in Pittsburgh.

While he was playing on a reduced salary in 2023, Ogunjobi’s production was not where the team wants or needs it to be at. Many media members

One former Steelers defender blasted Ogunjobi’s production earlier this offseason and expects more from the veteran defender. Former defensive lineman Chris Hoke went on 93.7 The Fan and expressed his frustrations with Ogunjobi.

“When you get paid that kind of money, they’re paying you to produce and we talked about this in the past and he’s a big, strong, powerful guy,” Hoke said. “He’s explosive. Technique is below the line. And it’s one of those things where he doesn’t play with his hands all the time.”

Hoke signaled that Ogunjobi’s lack of production is a direct result of poor technique.

“He’ll make a play and then he’ll disappear for a long period of time because of his technique,” Hoke said. “When you try to make plays, you’re not gonna consistently make plays. You may make one here or there, but largely, you’re gonna get tangled up and get stuck.”

While his production went down, Ogunjobi said after signing his extension last offseason that the stability that staying in Pittsburgh would bring about a consistent growth.

“I think it just felt right,” said Ogunjobi last offseason. “The team really welcomed me with really open arms. The environment was cool. … I just felt like it was the right place and some things just feel right so it was a no-brainer. Obviously, we went back and forth in negotiations but really just sitting down and having a place where you can consistently build and grow was really important to me.”

That did not happen in 2023 but with the Steelers lack of solid depth, they will bank on it again in 2024. Ogunjobi added that he is all about the team and for the defense to be elite, he has to be elite.

“I think the biggest thing is being where my feet are at,” said Ogunjobi. “I’ve gotten to the point right now where I’m just really pouring into myself, my team, my craft, and really focus on how I can deliver [the] best product for the Steelers in this season and for seasons to come.”

Regardless, with his hefty cap hit, Ogunjobi is a lock for the roster in 2024 but needs to up his production to justify paying him north of $13 million this year.

99 • Larry Ogunjobi, Defensive Tackle, Charlotte
6-foot-3, 305 pounds, 30 years old, 8th Season

Acquired: The Steelers signed Larry Ogunjobi to a one-year contract following the 2021 season. Ogunjobi originally signed a three-year, $40.5 million contract with the Chicago Bears following the 2021 season but failed a physical and never joined the team.

Last season: Larry Ogunjobi started all 17 regular season games for the Steelers in his second year on the team. In his 17 appearances, Ogunjobi totaled 43 tackles, two tackles for a loss, three sacks and one forced fumble.

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi in the AFC Wild Card against the Buffalo Bills on Jan. 15, 2024 — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Career: The Cleveland Browns drafted Larry Ogunjobi with the 65th pick in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft after he enjoyed a successful collegiate career at the University of Charlotte. As a rookie, Ogunjobi appeared in 14 games and started one of them. He finished his rookie season with 32 total tackles, one sack, and 12 pressures.

Ogunjobi stepped up big time as a second-year player as he played a career-high 930 defensive snaps and started all 16 games in 2018. He recorded a career-high 52 total tackles while adding 5.5 sacks, 36 pressures, and a forced fumble.

In 2019, Ogunjobi maintained his solid play as he recorded nearly an identical season as the year prior, at least stats-wise. He finished the year with 50 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 36 pressures. In his last season in Cleveland, Ogunjobi started 15 games and totaled 46 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, 22 pressures, and a forced fumble.

After the season, Ogunjobi signed a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. In his lone season with the Bengals, Ogunjobi started 16 games and finished with a career-high 7 sacks and 40 quarterback pressures.

In 2022, Ogunjobi started all 16 games that he appeared in for the Steelers. He played a total of 636 defensive snaps while missing two games. His first start came in Week 1 against his former team, the Cincinnati Bengals. In that game, Ogunjobi tallied four tackles and three pressures (three hurries, one quarterback hit).

Ogunjobi recorded his first partial sack as a Steeler in Week 3 against his other former team, the Cleveland Browns. He recorded his first full sack of 2022 in Week 18 against the Browns.

In total, Ogunjobi finished with 48 tackles (25 solo), 1.5 sacks, 23 stops, 19 hurries, and nine quarterback hits.

College: Larry Ogunjobi committed to the University of Charlotte but was a redshirt in 2012 due to the team awaiting eligibility to play at the FCS level. In 2013, Ogunjobi dominated for the 49ers in their inaugural season as he started all 11 games and recorded 42 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.

As a redshirt sophomore, Ogunjobi started all 11 of the 49ers’ games and improved from his first year. He finished the 2014 season with 48 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks.

In 2015, Charlotte made the jump to Division 1 and joined Conference USA. Ogunjobi also made a jump as he upped his tackle total to 62 while adding 14.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. He was named second-team all-Conference USA after the season.

In his final collegiate season, Ogunjobi stayed hot and finished with a career-high 65 total tackles. He also added 13.5 tackles for loss and three sacks in 2016.

Ogunjobi finished his career by starting all 46 games that he played in at Charlotte. He led the 49ers in tackles for loss in each of his four seasons and became the first player in school history to be named first-team all-Conference USA.

Salary cap and future: The Steelers re-signed Larry Ogunjobi to a three-year, $28.75 million contract last offseason. In his second year of the contract, Ogunjobi will cost $13.28 million against the team’s cap space. He will become an unrestricted free agent following the 2025 season.

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