Explosive Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle named cut candidate

The Pittsburgh Steelers already made their first move of the offseason, cutting outside linebacker Preston Smith to free up about $12 million in cap space. However, that was likely just the first of a few moves that will precipitate some releases from the Steelers.

While he might not be the next one, defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi seems like a strong bet to be a cut candidate for the Steelers. The Athletic tabbed Ogunjobi as a possible cut candidate, citing his up-and-down performance, the Steelers’ want to look at the defensive line in the NFL Draft, and the cap benefits; Ogunjobi seems like a good bet here.

“Ogunjobi signed with the Steelers in 2022 after tallying double-digit TFLs and QB hits in three of his first five seasons. But during his three years in Pittsburgh, he’s only once reached double digits in any category (QB hits in 2022), while playing through numerous injuries. The Steelers, who are scheduled to employ the NFL’s highest-paid defense for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, can save $7 million of Ogunjobi’s $10 million cap hit by cutting him. While that would leave a hole on the defensive front, the Steelers can fill it with a younger, less-expensive option in the draft. Whether the Steelers make this move or not, expect them to target a defensive lineman early on draft weekend,” the Athletic wrote.

The Steelers signed Ogunjobi in 2022 after the surprise retirement of Stephon Tuitt. Once that occurred, they scrambled for a replacement, and Ogunjobi, who was coming off a lisfranc injury, was the answer. However, he never reached the heights of his pre-injury game.

It sapped some of his explosiveness, and even though Ogunjobi has been available for games, he has rarely been healthy throughout the season. He had just 1.5 sacks in 15 games last season.