The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to release defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi in a move that will save the team significant salary cap space, but move defensive line up the team's offseason priority board.
The Steelers will release Ogunjobi per a report by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network . The move cannot be made official until the NFL transactions process for Monday at 4 p.m.
The move will save the Steelers $7 million against the salary cap in 2025 and leave behind a $3.5 million dead salary cap charge. He had been set to count for $10.5 million against the team's salary cap for 2025.
The Steelers have shown significant interest in the defensive linemen in the 2025 NFL Draft class, both at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. and again at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis .
It is widely considered to be a deep class at defensive tackle, and the Steelers should feel confident in their ability to land one or more in the draft, even after trading their second-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks for wide receiver DK Metcalf.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi during a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 18, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
The Steelers could also be active in the free agent market at the position, as general manager Omar Khan revealed at the combine.
"We weren't good enough down the stretch," Khan said . "But fortunately we have the resources, from a cap standpoint to address it. Maybe (in) free agency and maybe some trade candidates out there. And the draft, this is a really good draft of the defensive line."
Several of the top free agents at the position agreed to terms with teams on the first day of the free agent contact period on Monday. Milton Williams , Javon Kinlaw , B.J. Hill , Poona Ford , and Derek Barnett all agreed to new deals on Monday, while potential Steelers target Jonathan Allen is visiting the Minnesota Vikings .
https://steelersnow.com/nfl-free-agency-rundown-two-former-steelers-get-big-paydays
Ogunjobi, 30, had been with the Steelers since 2022. He played in 15 games and made 12 starts n 12 2024, recording 41 tackles, five tackles for loss, 1 1/2 sacks, and seven quarterback hits.
He first signed a one-year deal with the Steelers in 2022 before signing a three-year extension in 2023. Ogunjobi was the Steelers' nominee for the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award .
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