Former Texas Longhorns defensive end Joseph Ossai is expected to re-sign with the Cincinnati Bengals on a one-year deal worth $7 million.

Former Texas Longhorns Defensive End Joseph Ossai Expected to Re-sign with the Cincinnati Bengals on a One-Year Deal Worth $7 Million

As the NFL offseason rolls on, player movement continues to capture the attention of fans and analysts alike, especially when it involves familiar faces from college football programs. One such player making headlines is Joseph Ossai, the former Texas Longhorns defensive end, who is expected to re-sign with the Cincinnati Bengals on a one-year deal worth $7 million. This move has caught the attention of many in the football world, especially considering Ossai’s potential and the impact he could have on the Bengals’ defense moving forward.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Joseph Ossai’s journey from his time at the University of Texas to his NFL career, his development with the Bengals, and what this new one-year deal means for both the player and the franchise. We’ll also explore how Ossai’s story highlights the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the NFL and the way in which Cincinnati has been able to capitalize on his skill set, both for the present and the future.

Joseph Ossai’s College Football Journey at Texas

Joseph Ossai’s path to professional football began at the University of Texas, where he quickly established himself as one of the top defensive players in the Big 12. Born in Houston, Texas, Ossai attended Hightower High School, where he was a standout athlete in both football and track. Despite his impressive high school resume, Ossai wasn’t immediately regarded as a five-star recruit; however, his athleticism and work ethic caught the attention of the Texas Longhorns coaching staff, and he committed to play for head coach Tom Herman and the Longhorns.

During his freshman year at Texas, Ossai started to show flashes of the talent that would eventually make him an NFL prospect. Playing as a linebacker, Ossai recorded 30 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble, proving his ability to impact games both against the run and the pass. By his sophomore season, Ossai had transformed into one of the most dynamic and disruptive defensive players in college football. His move to defensive end proved to be a stroke of genius, as he showcased his versatility, speed, and power, becoming a force off the edge.

In his final season at Texas (2020), Ossai truly took his game to another level. He recorded 55 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks, and was named an All-Big 12 selection. His ability to rush the passer, set the edge against the run, and drop into coverage made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Ossai’s impressive combine performance further solidified his status as a top prospect for the 2021 NFL Draft, where he was ultimately selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round (69th overall).

NFL Career: Cincinnati Bengals and Early Development

Ossai’s transition from college to the NFL was not without its challenges, as the jump in competition level from college football to the NFL can be daunting for any young player. However, after being drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals, Ossai’s early years in the NFL have showcased his potential and his commitment to improving.

During his rookie season (2021), Ossai was expected to be a key contributor for the Bengals defense. However, things took an unfortunate turn in the preseason. In the Bengals’ preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ossai suffered a significant knee injury that kept him out for the entirety of his rookie year. This was a tough blow for the player, who had spent so much time preparing for his first NFL campaign.

Despite this setback, Ossai was determined to come back stronger, and he worked hard throughout his recovery to ensure that he could contribute once healthy. His perseverance paid off, as he returned to the field in 2022 with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation.

The 2022 NFL season marked Ossai’s first full year of play for the Bengals. As a rotational pass rusher, he had the chance to learn from veterans such as Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard, two key pieces of the Bengals’ defensive line. Ossai made the most of his opportunities, playing in 16 games and recording 4 sacks, 20 tackles, and 2 forced fumbles. He displayed flashes of the playmaking ability that had made him a standout at Texas, particularly when it came to getting after the quarterback and disrupting opposing offenses.

One of the most memorable moments of Ossai’s second season came during the 2022 AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs. While the Bengals ultimately lost in a heartbreaking game that sent the Chiefs to the Super Bowl, Ossai made an impact with a key sack late in the game, showing that his ability to rush the passer was back and better than ever.

The One-Year Deal: What It Means for Ossai

After a productive second season, Joseph Ossai is now poised to re-sign with the Bengals on a one-year deal worth $7 million. This contract reflects both his potential as a young defensive player and the Bengals’ confidence in his ability to continue developing as a key contributor to their defense.

The one-year deal offers Ossai a chance to prove himself further and solidify his place in the Bengals’ future plans. For Ossai, this contract offers both an opportunity and a challenge. He will have to continue to develop his skills and contribute at a high level, knowing that his performance in 2023 could directly impact his future in the NFL. The $7 million deal is a substantial contract for a young player, and it gives Ossai the financial stability to focus on his development while he looks to prove himself as one of the league’s premier pass rushers.

For the Bengals, this contract offers a bit of a gamble but one with significant upside. Ossai has shown the ability to disrupt offenses with his pass-rushing ability, but the Bengals are taking a chance that he can remain healthy, stay consistent, and develop into a key player alongside their other defensive stars. Given the Bengals’ success in recent seasons—making it to the Super Bowl in 2021 and the AFC Championship Game in 2022—the team knows how important defense is to their championship aspirations, and Ossai has the potential to be a cornerstone of that defensive unit moving forward.

Additionally, the one-year deal gives the Bengals the flexibility to evaluate Ossai’s long-term fit with the team before potentially offering a more lucrative contract extension down the line. Should Ossai continue to develop into a more polished player, the Bengals will have the opportunity to lock him up for the future, ensuring that their defense remains formidable for years to come.

Impact on the Bengals’ Defense

The Cincinnati Bengals have built one of the most well-rounded teams in the NFL over the past few years, and their defense has become a crucial part of their success. With standout players like Trey Hendrickson, Sam Hubbard, and Logan Wilson, the Bengals have consistently been able to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks while also defending the run effectively.

Ossai’s development as a pass rusher will only enhance the Bengals’ already formidable defensive line. His versatility allows him to be used in various ways, whether as a traditional edge rusher or in more creative blitz packages designed to confuse opposing offenses. Having a player like Ossai, who has the ability to generate pressure on the quarterback, will be invaluable as the Bengals look to compete in a highly competitive AFC.

The Bengals’ success in recent years has been fueled in large part by the development of their young talent, and Ossai is no exception. If he can continue to take strides in his development, the Bengals will have one of the most dangerous and deep defensive lines in the league. His ability to contribute to both the pass rush and run defense will make him a key player in their pursuit of another Super Bowl appearance.

What’s Next for Joseph Ossai?

Looking ahead, Joseph Ossai’s future in the NFL is bright. While the one-year deal with the Bengals offers him the chance to prove himself in the short term, it also sets up the possibility for a more lucrative long-term deal down the road. For Ossai, staying healthy and continuing to develop his pass-rushing ability will be critical to his success.

Moreover, the Bengals’ defense is a unit with a lot of potential, and Ossai could become a central piece of that defense moving forward. His role could expand, particularly as the Bengals look to make another deep playoff run in the coming seasons. Ossai’s development over the next year will determine whether he can be a long-term fixture on the Bengals’ defense or if he will seek opportunities elsewhere once his contract expires.

As for the Bengals, re-signing Ossai is just one of many steps the franchise is taking to build a championship-contending roster. The move reflects their faith in Ossai’s potential and their desire to retain key players who can help them compete in an increasingly competitive AFC. With the defensive line continuing to evolve and improve, Joseph Ossai’s role in the Bengals’ future plans will be one to watch.