Ogunjobi's $40.5M deal with Bears falls apart over failed physical

The Chicago Bears won't sign defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi because he failed his physical, the team announced Friday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Ogunjobi and the Bears agreed to a three-year deal worth a reported $40.5 million Monday, which marked the opening of the negotiating period for impending free agents.

"As I said before, Larry Ogunjobi embodies everything we are looking for in a Bear," general manager Ryan Poles said. "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."

The Bears agreed to sign former Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Justin Jones to a two-year contract in light of the development, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Jones - coming off a 37-tackle, three-sack campaign - started 35 games over the last three years.

Ogunjobi spent the 2021 season with the Cincinnati Bengals, contributing 49 tackles and seven sacks to the AFC champions. He played on a one-year deal after four seasons with the Cleveland Browns.

The 27-year-old underwent foot surgery after suffering an injury in the NFL playoffs, though it's unclear if that's related to his failed physical.

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