Bengals had interest in signing Azeez Ojulari before re-signing Joseph Ossai

Interesting.

The Cincinnati Bengals have officially begun the offseason rebuilding as they prepare to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 outing despite Joe Burrow’s MVP-worthy season and Ja’Marr Chase’s Triple Crown.

They have made several signings on defense, bringing in some new and familiar faces, including edge rusher Joseph Ossai, who signed a one-year, team-friendly deal.

Before they did, though, the team had some interest in bringing in former Giants outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari, but talks didn’t go very far, according to Kelsey Conway.

Ojulari is coming off a seven-sack season (PFF) and has had 26 sacks over his last four seasons with the New York Giants. He was a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft out of Georgia. He broke the Giants’ rookie sack record in 2021 (which was previously set by BJ Hill) but spent some time in 2022 and 2023 on IR.

Trey Hendrickson led the league in sacks in 2024 (17.5), but the Bengals struggled to get any consistent pass rush from anyone else. Ossai did turn things on late in the season when he got the playing time, so it’s good he returned.

Stay tuned as the Bengals navigate free agency.