Bengals Free Agency: Losing Larry Ogunjobi is a massive blow to defense

The legal tampering portion of Bengals free agency is underway and the Cincinnati Bengals have signed someone but now lost someone as well. Larry Ogunjobi is reportedly set to sign with the Chicago Bears, per Ian Rapoport.

Cincinnati signed Ogunjobi to a one-year deal this time last year to help shore up the middle of their defensive line. Ogunjobi flourished in the Queen City and fans were really hoping that the team could retain him this offseason.

Unfortunately, the former Brown and Bengal is leaving the AFC North and heading to the NFC North instead.

Bengals Free Agency: Larry Ogunjobi heading to Chicago

Ogunjobi played well during his one year in Cincinnati and with him departing, the team absolutely has to do what they can to keep B.J. Hill in the stripes for 2022 and beyond. Once Ogunjobi went down with an injury, Hill stepped in and made a huge impact through more opportunities.

Fans felt that if the team had to pick between one of the two, Hill was the guy they’d want. The injury that Ogunjobi suffered late in the season might have played a factor in that but either way, Hill stepped up and showed he could be a massive playmaker in this defense.

It sucks to see Ogunjobi leave but ultimately the Bengals weren’t going to go all out to keep him in Cincy. He was a great player in 2021 and certainly proved it on his one-year deal and now he’s being rewarded for it.

Bradd Biggs reported that Ogunjobi will earn a three-year deal worth $40.5 million with $26.35 million guaranteed. This probably would have been more than Cincinnati would have cared to spend on him so maybe this is for the best.

Best of luck to Larry Ogunjobi as he heads to the Windy City for the next chapter of his career.

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How do you all feel about Ogunjobi leaving?