The Chicago Bears knew they would have to dabble in free agency this year even if GM Ryan Poles prefers to build through the draft. Too many roster holes exist. Well, fans can certainly say this about him. The man isn’t one to waste time. Barely an hour into the two-day negotiating window, the Bears agreed with defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi on a deal to join their defense this coming season.
It is a strong opening move. The defensive tackle is just 27-years old and coming off the best season of his career with seven sacks in 2021. He was a huge part of helping the Cincinnati Bengals reach the Super Bowl. Not only that, but he has a proven history of good health as well. Chicago needs somebody who can rush the passer on the interior in Matt Eberflus’ new 4-3 defense. Now they have him.
The #Bears are expected to sign #Bengals DT Larry Ogunjobi, source said. A huge piece in the middle.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2022
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
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Really nice job on the club/rip by Ogunjobi. He uses a fist with his 'club' hand & punches the LG's hand off which is awesome. Probably didn't feel great for the blocker. pic.twitter.com/bF5eZ4stmN
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) September 17, 2021
New #Bears DT Larry Ogunjobi
Pokes bringing mean back to this team pic.twitter.com/AtMFgIC6JF
— Austin F (@PodGuyFuges) March 14, 2022
Ogunjobi will be making a little over $13 million per year.
That isn’t bad at all from the Chicago Bears’ perspective. It would still rank him outside the top ten in highest-paid interior defensive linemen in the league. With it being a three-year contract, Poles has also helped maintain future cap flexibility while offering the veteran a chance to get one more contract down the line. It is a solid deal for both sides. Most importantly, it makes the defensive line considerably better.
A trio of Robert Quinn, Trevis Gipson, and Ogunjobi should have no problems getting after the quarterback this coming season. The more significant challenge now will be if Poles can do something about the secondary. Outside of Jaylon Johnson and Eddie Jackson, they have a lot of voids on the back end they need to address. However, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the remaining resources were devoted to the offense over the next few days.
