6 defensive tackles the Carolina Panthers should target in 2022 free agency

Carolina Panthers should consider Larry Ogunjobi

Players entering free agency off a Super Bowl team often ask for more money than their actual value. That might not be the case for Larry Ogunjobi, who could be on the move this offseason.

Tragedy struck Ogunjobi in January, as the 27-year-old suffered a foot injury in the Wild Card round against the Las Vegas Raiders, forcing him to miss the rest of the postseason. This was a brutal blow for a player on a one-year deal, knowing he would be entering free agency in March and could be offered a big payout.

Before going down with the injury, Ogunjobi was having a sensational year with the Cincinnati Bengals, finishing with a career-high in sacks (7), tackles for loss (12), and quarterback hits (16).

Ogunjobi started every game for the Bengals in 2021 and played a big part in stopping the run all season. He has proven to be an every-down player on the defensive line, as the five-year veteran played 64.4 percent of defensive snaps, the second most among Bengals defensive linemen.

That percentage would also rank second-highest among the Carolina Panthers’ front four, only trailing Brian Burns.

Another element that could play a part in Ogunjobi joining the Panthers is the fact that he is a North Carolina native. He attended Ragsdale High School in Jamestown and played collegiately at the University of North Carolina.

There’s always a chance he runs it back with the Bengals. However, coming off an injury and possibly playing for less money, signing with the Panthers could be Ogunjobi’s way to return to his home state.