The decision by the Bears to hire Matt Eberflus is a head-scratcher. (1:40)
The Chicago Bears announced Friday that defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi will not be joining the team after failing his physical.
According to sources, the biggest acquisition thus far in free agency was by Chicago, with a contract worth $40.5 million with $26.35 million guaranteed. The Bears agreed to terms with him shortly after the new league year started, but had not officially announced his signing.
As Chicago introduced its top three free agents, including center Lucas Patrick and linebacker Nicholas Morrow, Ogunjobi was going to speak with local media members.
Ryan Poles, general manager, said that the deal fell apart after a standard and thorough physical and medical review.
Larry Ogunjobi embodies everything we are looking for in a Bear. Poles said that he is a special person and player. We are not going to sign him today. This is difficult and it is emotional for everyone involved, but it is what is in the best interest of protecting the Chicago Bears.
The Bears did not specify what led to the failed physical of the defensive tackle, but he underwent surgery to repair a foot injury. He said that his surgery was a success.
Losing out on Ogunjobi is a huge blow to the Bears defense, which features Angelo Blackson and Mario Edwards Jr. at defensive end. A source told Jeremy Fowler that the Bears found a new three-technique and signed former Los Angeles Clippers defensive tackle Justin Jones to a two-year deal.
In 11 games last season, Jones had three sacks and 19 tackles.
The defensive overhaul that helped the Bengal's go from the lowest sack total in the NFL in 2020 to 11th in 2021, was a part of the reason why Ogunjobi is returning to the free-agent pool. After spending his first four seasons in Cleveland, where he was primarily lined up in the A-gap over the center, Ogunjobi moved to three-technique in Cincinnati's defense last season. He had a career-best season in which he totaled 7 sacks, 16 quarterback hits and 40 pressures.
The defensive tackle has appeared in 76 of 81 games over five seasons in the NFL, despite missing most of the playoffs with a foot injury.
Ben Baby contributed to the report.
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