CLEVELAND — Editor's note: The video in the player above is from Jan. 20, 2021.
It looks like the Browns will be saying goodbye to one of their defensive mainstays over the last few years.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, free agent defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi has agreed to a one-year contract with the division rival Cincinnati Bengals. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Drafted in the third round out of Charlotte in 2017, Ogunjobi was one of the few Sashi Brown era picks to make a real impact in Cleveland, tallying 29 tackles for loss and 14 1/2 sacks over his four seasons with the club. He was also one of the rare players to be a part of both the dismal 0-16 team during his rookie year and the triumphant 11-5 squad that won a playoff game in 2020.
But although he had started 46 games since 2018, Ogunjobi's production dipped a year ago, with just five tackles for loss and 2 1/2 sacks. With the front office looking to upgrade the defense and precious cap room to work with, Ogunjobi and his $2.133 million salary became expendable.
Ogunjobi is one of several former Browns to leave the team via free agency this offseason, including cornerbacks Terrance Mitchell and Tavierre Thomas both reportedly signing with the Houston Texans. However, Cleveland is apparently bringing back wide receiver Rashard "Hollywood" Higgins and linebacker Malcolm Smith on one-year deals, and also added safety John Johnson III and defensive end Takkarist McKinley to bolster the defense.
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