Larry Ogunjobi

The NFL can be cruel sometimes. Ogunjobi should have been in line for a big payday in free agency this offseason, but his three-year, $40.5 million deal with the Bears fell through due to a foot injury suffered in the wild-card round of the playoffs. He had one of his most productive seasons with the Bengals in 2021, tallying 49 tackles and a career-high seven sacks. Ogunjobi eventually settled for a one-year, $8 million prove-it deal with the Steelers with the aim to get that big payday.

Ogunjobi recorded 5.5 sacks for the second consecutive season and will return as a starting defensive tackle. He had a quick start to the season, but his production dropped off in the second half when both defensive ends, Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon, were unavailable. The Browns added free agent DT Andrew Billings, who started 30 games over the past two seasons in Cincinnati and could pushed Ogunjobi, but he opted out of playing in 2020. That means Ogunjobi should hold onto his starting job, although the Browns selected Jordan Elliott out of Missouri in the third round.

The former 2017 third-round pick broke out in 2018, registering a career-high 5.5 sacks and 52 tackles. Even more success could be on the horizon for Ogunjobi. With the talents of Myles Garrett, Olivier Vernon and Sheldon Richardson joining him on the defensive line, he should have no trouble making plays in the backfield while opposing offenses focus on his teammates.

Ogunjobi will likely back up Jamie Meder when the season kicks off, but the Browns love his potential and want him to win the starting job, meaning the 24-year-old should still see plenty of run regardless of his spot on the depth chart.