Ossai and the Bengals have agreed to a one-year, $7-million deal, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. The move comes after the defensive end recorded career highs in defensive snaps (543), tackles (46), sacks (5.0) and forced fumbles (two). It also comes with fellow defensive end Trey Hendrickson on the trade block. Ossai, who missed his rookie season with a meniscus injury, has started just three of the 47 regular-season games he's appeared in over the last three campaigns, but he might have a chance to start in 2025.
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Status
ACTIVELatest Joseph Ossai news
Team
Cincinnati Bengals
Birthdate
4/12/2000 (25)
Status
Active
HT/WT
6'4", 263 lbs
Draft Info
2021: Rd 3; Pk (CIN)
Birthplace
Lagos,, NGA
Position
DE
College
Texas
Experience
4 seasons
Career History
Cincinnati Bengals
2021-Present
(4 seasons)
Ossai and the Bengals have agreed to a one-year, $7-million deal, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. The move comes after the defensive end recorded career highs in defensive snaps (543), tackles (46), sacks (5.0) and forced fumbles (two). It also comes with fellow defensive end Trey Hendrickson on the trade block. Ossai, who missed his rookie season with a meniscus injury, has started just three of the 47 regular-season games he's appeared in over the last three campaigns, but he might have a chance to start in 2025.
Ossai tallied 46 total tackles, including 5.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass defended across 17 games in 2024. The third-year defensive end from Texas saw a significant increase in playing time in 2024, logging 225 more defensive snaps than his previous career high (318) and setting new personal bests in tackles, sacks, and forced fumbles in a single season. Ossai made the first three starts of his career from Weeks 16 through 18, filling in for the injured Sam Hubbard (knee), and recorded 14 total tackles, including 2.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass defended during that stretch. He just completed the final season of his rookie contract and is now set to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason. Ossai is likely to secure a starting role or a key spot in a team's pass-rush rotation following his strong performances as a starter in 2024.
Ossai recorded eight tackles (five solo) including 0.5 sacks and a forced fumble along with a pass defensed during Sunday's 30-24 overtime win versus the Broncos. Ossai retained an expanded role in Week 17 with Sam Hubbard still tending to a knee injury, and he again made the most of his increased opportunities, forcing a fumble for a second straight game. His snap share in Week 18 at Pittsburgh will still largely depend on the health of Hubbard.