Cincy Jungle
The Cincinnati Bengals will have two of their own highly regarded free agent defensive ends this year. Let’s take a look at how they stack up with some of the other free agent edge players for 2026.
Hendrickson only played in parts of seven games during the 2025 season due to injury. He was still able to record 16 tackles and 4 sacks on the year. He had 23 pressures and just a 7.7% missed tackle rate. The 31-year-old posted a 90.0 pass rushing grade and a 56.8 run defense grade.
Ossai will be turning 26 years old. He returned to Cincinnati on a one-year deal ahead of the 2025 season. This year, he accumulated 43 tackles and 5 sacks on the season. He had a 62.4 pass rush grade and a 70.7 run defense grade. Ossai missed a couple of games late in the season due to injury. He still ended up leading the team with 43 total pressures.
These early lists typically fall apart rather quickly with extensions and franchise tags for players to remain with their current team. Oweh is likely to be a prime candidate for that happening with him. If he hits the open market, he is going to make a ton of money with how he played after being traded to the Chargers from the Ravens this year. The 27-year-old finished the season with an 81.0 pass rush grade. He had a 64.1 run defense grade. He finished the season with 43 tackles, 51 pressures, and 10.5 sacks.
Jones has the versatility to play on the edge or the interior. He recorded 43 tackles with 7 sacks in 2025. He had a 69.6 pass rush grade and a 57.8 run defense grade. Jones had 19 pressures in 9 games with the Titans. He was then traded to the Ravens for the second half of the season. In 9 games with the Ravens, he tallied 32 pressures. Jones is approaching 30 years old, which is something that typically gives the Bengals some concern with free agents.
Phillips will be turning 27 at the end of May. He recorded 53 tackles and 5 sacks between Miami and Philadelphia in 2025. He ended the season with a 76.2 pass rush grade and a 60.3 run defense grade. Phillips generates pressure at a high rate. Racking up 76 total pressures on the year.
Bosa signed a one-year deal with Buffalo in 2025. Could he be looking for a similar short-term contract in 2026? If so, the Bengals should have some interest here. Bosa will be turning 31 this year, but he still recorded 32 tackles, 54 pressures, and 5 sacks on the season. He had an 85.5 pass rush grade, along with a 52.0 run defense grade.
K’Lavon Chaisson (6’3” 245 lbs.)...
