Amen Ogbongbemiga
Photo courtesy: Chicago Bears
The Detroit Lions have signed Canadian linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga after hosting him for a workout on Sunday.
Ogbongbemiga has been a free agent since February, when he was released by the Chicago Bears in a cap-saving move. He was in the first year of a two-year contract extension signed last March, worth up to $7 million if all incentives were reached.
The 27-year-old appeared in eight games last season, making one start. He made 17 total tackles and broke up one pass.
Ogbongbemiga dressed for 17 games in his first season with Chicago, becoming a key part of the team’s special teams units. He recorded 13 total tackles with one tackle for loss and one sack.
The six-foot, 230-pound defender spent his first three seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent in 2021. He has dressed for 72 regular-season games between the two teams, making three starts and recording 66 total tackles, three tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, and two sacks. He has made $7.42 million throughout his NFL career.
Ogbongbemiga made 208 total tackles, 25 tackles for loss, nine sacks, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and one interception over four collegiate seasons at Oklahoma State University. He was twice named second-team All-Big 12.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Ogbongbemiga was raised in Houston and Calgary, where he attended Notre Dame Senior High School. His exclusive CFL rights belong to the Calgary Stampeders, who selected him with the eighth overall pick in the 2021 CFL Draft.