5 targets for Bengals in 2022 NFL free agency

Larry Ogunjobi had a great first year with the Bengals, so what about year two?

One player who will not get as much credit as he should for the Bengals’ triumphantly success 2021 campaign was defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi. While the former Charlotte star got lost in the shuffle a bit at his previous stop in Cleveland, he certainly made the most of his time in Cincinnati. Ogunjobi was a major disruptor in the trenches, setting a career-high in sacks last fall.

Though there is a good chance the Bengals prioritize bringing him back, one could argue the front office could be looking for the next Larry Ogunjobi. Cincinnati has quietly done a great job in identifying winning talent in recent drafts and free-agency periods. Duke Tobin has done marvelous work operating in the shadows of Mike Brown’s football franchise for years on end.

The good news for Ogunjobi is the Bengals know exactly what he can do playing in Lou Anarumo’s defense. If he aspires to be an NFL head coach one day, it would serve the Bengals to bring back a player they know can execute this defensive scheme to perfection. The Bengals should not pay a premium for a player coming off a career year, but Ogunjobi could be a rare exception in this case.

The Bengals should be thankful they have the cap space to pay Ogunjobi fair market value now.