Cincinnati Bengals Target Top Defensive Ends in Free Agency
The Cincinnati Bengals are eyeing defensive talent as they prepare for the 2026 free agency period. With two prominent defensive ends already on their roster, the team faces the opportunity to enhance its defensive line by exploring free-agent options.
Cincinnati Bengals’ Key Defensive Ends
Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai are two significant names for the Bengals as they approach free agency. Here’s a closer look at their performances:
Trey Hendrickson
- Height/Weight: 6’4″, 270 lbs
- 2025 Stats: 16 tackles, 4 sacks, 23 pressures
- Injury Impact: Played partially in seven games due to injury
- Grades: 90.0 pass rush, 56.8 run defense
Joseph Ossai
- Height/Weight: 6’4″, 263 lbs
- Age: 26
- 2025 Stats: 43 tackles, 5 sacks
- Team Leader: Led the Bengals with 43 total pressures
- Return: Signed a one-year deal for the 2025 season
- Grades: 62.4 pass rush, 70.7 run defense
Top Free-Agent Defensive Ends for 2026
As the Bengals look to strengthen their defensive lineup, several top free-agent defensive ends have caught their attention:
Odafe Oweh
- Height/Weight: 6’5″, 257 lbs
- Age: 27
- 2025 Stats: 43 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 51 pressures
- Grades: 81.0 pass rush, 64.1 run defense
Dremont Jones
- Height/Weight: 6’3″, 281 lbs
- 2025 Stats: 43 tackles, 7 sacks
- Versatility: Can play both edge and interior
- Grades: 69.6 pass rush, 57.8 run defense
Jaelan Phillips
- Height/Weight: 6’5″, 263 lbs
- 2025 Stats: 53 tackles, 5 sacks
- Pressure Generation: 76 total pressures
- Grades: 76.2 pass rush, 60.3 run defense
Other Notable Free Agents
- Joey Bosa (6’5″, 280 lbs): 32 tackles, 5 sacks, 54 pressures, 85.5 pass rush grade
- K’Lavon Chaisson (6’3″, 245 lbs): 68 pressures, 10.5 sacks
- Khalil Mack (6’3″, 269 lbs): 42 pressures, 5.5 sacks, 67.5 pass rush grade
- Jadeveon Clowney (6’5″, 255 lbs): 41 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 80.6 pass rush grade
With the upcoming free agency, the Cincinnati Bengals are positioned to make significant additions to their defensive roster. Monitoring these players will be crucial for the team’s success in the coming season.
