KC Chiefs should watch these potential free agents in Super Bowl 56
By Matt Conner
Larry Ogunjobi, defensive line, Cincinnati Bengals
This wouldn’t be the sexiest signing, but we already know this is going to be a significant priority for the Chiefs this offseason since general manager Brett Veach stated he would be focusing on the trenches this year—specifically for the defense. While we’re not sure what will happen with free agents in waiting like Derrick Nnadi and Jarran Reed, the Chiefs need to replenish the edge and remake the interior alongside and around Chris Jones.
The Bengals have to be thrilled with the production they got from defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi this year and given his Super Bowl experience, he’s not going to come cheaply to anyone. Perhaps Veach won’t play the Super Bowl premium here, but any free agent list to watch has to start here at a point of need with a player who can make a difference (and yet not break the bank).
Ogunjobi had 7 sacks this season inside for the Bengals, and he’s proven to be an ironman after starting 15-16 games each year for the last four seasons. He also reached 5.5 sacks in two previous seasons apiece with the Browns, which means he’s been near this sort of disruption before. He won’t turn 28 until this summer, so even a multi-year deal of two or three seasons would likely yield a meaningful return.
Putting Ogunjobi next to Jones in the middle to go with Turk Wharton, Khalen Saunders and any further draft pick along the interior is a nice core with which to enter the season.