The Bengals have re-signed DT BJ Hill to a 3 year/$30M contract. According to reports, it includes $15M in guaranteed money. Big move to keep one of their own.
Hill gets a hefty raise only one offseason after he was traded to the Bengals. The New York Giants sent him over to Cincinnati in exchange for C Billy Price prior to week 1. The move proved to be extremely one sided, as he got back to the form that he showed as a rookie, tying his career high in sacks with 5.5. Hill did well in his rotational role and, in the playoffs, showed that he can also be effective when his role is expanded.
The importance of retaining Hill was increased exponentially when news hit that Larry Ogunjobi would be departing.
Ogunjobi has agreed to terms with the Chicago Bears on a 3 year/$40.5M deal, with $26.35M guaranteed. He was coming off a breakout season with the Bengals. He racked up 7 sacks after signing a 1 year prove it deal worth over $6M.
His new contract is worth more than double what the Bengals paid. It is a risky one for the Bears, betting on one year of production. It is a price the Bengals just couldn’t afford. That said, Ogunjobi does have the upside to perform up to this contract. Nevertheless, the Bengals, at this moment, seem to have made the right decision, getting better value in BJ Hill, who is the more versatile player.
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