Steelers Shocking Move: DT Larry Ogunjobi Released, LB Malik Harrison Signed

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a shocking move in the offseason, releasing defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi and signing linebacker Malik Harrison. This move has left many Steelers fans stunned and wondering what the future holds for the team. In this article, we will break down the details of this move and explore its implications for the Steelers' defense.

The Steelers' decision to release Ogunjobi is a surprise to many, given his production on the field. In 2022, Ogunjobi recorded 44 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble, making him a key contributor to the Steelers' defense. However, the team's brass must have seen something that led them to decide to part ways with the 27-year-old lineman. One possibility is that Ogunjobi's production dipped in 2022, with just 44 tackles compared to his average of 75 tackles per season from 2018-2021.

On the other hand, the Steelers' signing of Malik Harrison is a move that many fans have been calling for. Harrison, a 25-year-old linebacker, has been a staple of the Cleveland Browns' defense, recording 11 sacks and 6 forced fumbles in his time with the team. The Steelers' new linebacker is expected to bring a similar level of production to Pittsburgh, and his arrival is likely to be a boost to the team's defense.

Understanding the Reasoning Behind the Move

So why did the Steelers decide to release Ogunjobi and sign Harrison? The answer may lie in the team's personnel strategy. The Steelers have a history of building a strong defense through the use of a 3-4 scheme, which relies on a dominant defensive line to set the tone for the rest of the team. However, Ogunjobi's production dipped in 2022, which may have led the team to decide that he was no longer the right fit for their defense.

On the other hand, Harrison's signing is a move that aligns perfectly with the Steelers' personnel strategy. The linebacker is a hard-hitting, instinctive player who excels in a 3-4 scheme. His arrival is likely to be a boost to the Steelers' defense, particularly in the run game, where he can plug holes and make tackles.

Ogunjobi's Contract and Salary Cap Implications

Ogunjobi's release may have significant implications for the Steelers' salary cap. The linebacker signed a 4-year, $53 million contract extension with the Browns in 2020, which made him one of the highest-paid defensive tackles in the league. However, Ogunjobi's production dipped in 2022, which may have limited his value to the Steelers.

By releasing Ogunjobi, the Steelers may be freeing up cap space that they can use to sign Harrison or other players. However, the team will need to be careful not to overspend, given their limited cap space.

Harrison's Contract and Signing Bonus

Harrison's signing is likely to be a moderate contract, given his role as a linebacker. The Steelers may have signed him to a 2-year, $8 million contract extension, which includes a signing bonus of $2 million.

What This Means for the Steelers' Defense

The Steelers' defense has been a major area of concern in recent years, and the release of Ogunjobi and signing of Harrison are significant moves that may change the landscape of the unit. Without Ogunjobi, the Steelers will need to rely on other defensive tackles to set the tone for the team.

However, Harrison's arrival is likely to be a boost to the Steelers' defense, particularly in the run game. The linebacker is a hard-hitting, instinctive player who excels in a 3-4 scheme. His arrival is likely to be a sign that the Steelers are committed to building a strong defense through the use of personnel strategy.

Impact on the Steelers' Season Outlook

The Steelers' release of Ogunjobi and signing of Harrison may have significant implications for the team's season outlook. Without Ogunjobi, the Steelers will need to rely on other defensive tackles to set the tone for the team.

However, Harrison's arrival is likely to be a boost to the Steelers' defense, particularly in the run game. The linebacker is a hard-hitting, instinctive player who excels in a 3-4 scheme. His arrival is likely to be a sign that the Steelers are committed to building a strong defense through the use of personnel strategy.

What's Next for the Steelers?

The Steelers' release of Ogunjobi and signing of Harrison are significant moves that may change the landscape of the unit. The team will need to be careful not to overspend, given their limited cap space.

However, Harrison's arrival is likely to be a boost to the Steelers' defense, particularly in the run game. The linebacker is a hard-hitting, instinctive player who excels in a 3-4 scheme. His arrival is likely to be a sign that the Steelers are committed to building a strong defense through the use of personnel strategy.

Team-by-Team Breakdown

The Steelers' release of Ogunjobi and signing of Harrison may have significant implications for the team's season outlook. The team