The retirement of Stephon Tuitt earlier this month didn't necessarily catch the Steelers by surprise, but they had been hopeful the defensive end would return in 2022.
With that now settled, the team pivoted in another direction.
After hosting him for a free agent visit earlier in the day, the Steelers signed former Browns and Bengals defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi Tuesday to a one-year contract. The financial terms have yet to be disclosed.
Ogunjobi, who turned 28 June 3, was a third-round pick of the Browns in 2017. In four seasons with the Browns, he appeared in 60 games, including 47 starts, recording 180 tackles and 14.5 sacks.
He signed a one-year deal worth $6.2 million to join the Bengals in 2021, finishing the season with 49 tackles and a career-high 7 sacks.
But Ogunjobi suffered a foot injury in the Bengals' first-round playoff win over the Raiders that required surgery. Ogunjobi agreed to terms on a three-year, $40.5-million deal with the Bears early in the free agency process, but did not pass a team physical due to the surgery, so the deal was nullified. He also visited the Jets in May.
Ogunjobi was suspended for one game in 2019 for his part in the brawl that took place between the Steelers and Browns in Cleveland late in that season.
Ogunjobi's suspension came as a result of him shoving Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph to the ground after Rudolph had been hit over the head with his helmet after it had been ripped off his head by Cleveland's Myles Garrett.
With Ogunjobi now on board, the Steelers have multiple options to replace Tuitt.
Last season, veteran Chris Wormley primarily filled that role as Tuitt missed the entire season with a knee injury and while dealing with the death of his brother in a hit-and-run incident that remains unsolved. Wormley had a career-high seven sacks last season but missed the entire offseason program after undergoing a minor knee surgery.
Second-year pro Isaiahh Loudermilk and third-round draft pick DeMarvin Leal also are on the roster to provide depth behind Cameron Heyward, as well.
Prior to the signing, the Steelers had approximately $23 million in salary cap space available for the 2022 season.
