Veteran Defensive Lineman for the Steelers Named a 2024 Cut Prospect
With more than $14 million in salary cap space, the Pittsburgh Steelers will have some tough decisions to make this offseason, according to Spotrac. One of the tough choices could be whether to keep veteran defensive end Larry Ogunjobi. Bleacher Report’s Christopher Knox suggested on Jan. 29 that the Steelers should consider cutting Ogunjobi this offseason.
Knox wrote, “Ogunjobi certainly isn’t a bad player, but his production doesn’t match his price.” “Pittsburgh needs to shore up a defense that ranks 21st in rushing yards allowed, and moving Ogunjobi could be part of that process.”
The Steelers signed Ogunjobi to a three-year, $28.75 million contract after a successful 2022 campaign in Pittsburgh. But the offers are pre-loaded. Ogunjobi is expected to hit $4.93 million in 2023 and then increase to $13.28 million in 2024.
According to Over the Cap , the Steelers will save $6.22 million in cap space by releasing Ogunjobi. If the team had cut Ogunjobi after Season 1, the Steelers would have saved $9.75 million.
Why is Larry Ogunjobi a good fit for the Pittsburgh Steelers?
Overall, Ogunjobi had a good 2023 season. He received a 58.7 player grade from Pro Football Focus, which isn’t all that impressive, but it’s not too far off his 61.7 grade in 2022.
Through 2022, Ogunjobi hasn’t had at least a 58 PFF grade since 2018. The seven-year veteran continues to perform well in traditional metrics in 2023. He had more sacks, passes defensed and forced fumbles last season than in 2022. However, the $13 million cap hit is a bit steep for Ogunjobi. PFF rates him below average and turns 30 this season. The Steelers drafted Keanu Benton in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Benton played very well as a rookie, earning a PFF player grade of 76.9. If the Steelers reuse their early draft picks on defensive linemen, they could have two young cornerstones to play with Cameron Heyward (if he returns).
It is a much cheaper route than Ogunjobi. It also makes Pittsburgh’s defensive line young and potentially productive.
Why the Steelers should keep Ogunjobi until 2024
However, the reason why Ogunjobi was arrested is also clear. Even with the choice of a defense line, and Steelers can use Ogunzhobi next season.
He really couldn’t start until the young player is ready to replace him. Knox said Benton and DeMarvin Lil Ogunjobi could be extended this offseason. But while Benton looks poised for a bigger role in 2024, Leal has been a nice scratch for the team’s last four games. Tomlin was asked about Leal’s future during a Jan. 18 postseason press conference.
“That’s definitely true, but he has to be a part of it,” Tomlin said when asked if there was a way for Leal to play a bigger role. “Obviously we put helmets on the guys that helped us win and he wasn’t involved in that, so he’s got some work to do.”
The only defensive lineman on the Steelers depth chart is Isaiah Loudermilk. So cutting Ogunjobi would severely hurt Pittsburgh’s defensive line depth. However, it may be necessary to consider the conditions for collecting the Stalker salary.
