CINCINNATI — Could Larry Ogunjobi return to the Bengals this season?
After tallying seven sacks and making key plays for Cincinnati throughout the 2021 campaign, Ogunjobi agreed to a four-year, $40 million contract with the Bears that was ultimately voided when he failed his physical.
The 28-year-old is still on the free agent market. Geoff Hobson shared some insight about Ogunjobi’s future and the possibility of him returning to Cincinnati this season.
“The Bengals know he’s out there, but there is the matter of his health, as well as reaching a deal. Still, he’s highly regarded around here and his mates would love to see him back,” Hobson wrote. “Especially fellow Greensboro, N.C., product DJ Reader, the guy who played next to him at nose tackle. Even new right tackle Alex Cappa is thinking of him. On Monday, he went through the Bengals national media day twice, with No. 66, as well as No. 65, the jersey Ogunjobi wore last year. Just in case.”
Reader and Ogunjobi are good friends. If the Bengals were able to bring back the veteran, then their defense would essentially be intact from a year ago.
“Great teammate for sure,” Reader told Hobson when asked about Cappa. “Keep the number open and hopefully he’ll be back … He has to make the best decision for him.”
Ogunjobi visited the Jets, but hasn’t appeared to generate much interest. A return to Cincinnati would make a ton of sense for them and for him in his quest to re-establish his value.
