Ogunjobi Fails Physical, Won't Sign With Bears After $40.5M Deal

CHICAGO — Bringing Larry Ogunjobi on board was to have been the first move that new Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles made to bolster a defensive line that is sure to take on a much different look this season.

But two days after the Bears announced they had signed the former Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman to a three-year, $40.5 million deal, the Bears said Ogunjobi — poised to be the team’s top off-season acquisition — had failed a physical and is no longer part of the team’s plan.

Ogunjobi has played 76 games over his five-year career and was expected to be a good fit for the Bears, who traded Khalil Mack to the Chargers last week, lost Akiem Hicks to free agency and cut Eddie Goldman earlier this week.

Ogunjobi was coming off of foot surgery, but was expected to be completely healthy in time to contribute to the Bears this season.

Ogunjobi, 27, was to have met with reporters Friday at Halas Hall as the Bears have started to move forward from a roster that produced just six wins a year ago. Poles, who replaced the fired Ryan Pace following the season, had said Ogunjobi was “everything the Bears were looking for.”

“Larry Ogunjobi embodies everything we are looking for in a Bear.” Poles said in a statement released by the team. “He is a special person and player. During the league’s negotiating window earlier this week, we agreed to terms with him, subject to him passing a physical here. After a standard and thorough physical and medical review with Larry yesterday afternoon, our medical team deemed him to have failed his physical and therefore, unfortunately, we are not signing him today.

“This is difficult, and it is emotional for everyone involved, but ultimately is what is in the best interest of protecting the Chicago Bears.”