Joseph Ossai, Bengals
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Former Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Joseph Ossai trying to make a play during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens.
The New York Jets have made a free agency splash.
According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the Jets have reached an agreement with Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai on a three-year $36 million contract with $22.5 million fully guaranteed.
Ossai, 25, will turn 26 before the start of the 2026 season. He originally entered the league as the No. 69 overall pick in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft.
Across his five seasons at the NFL level, Ossai has appeared in 61 games and has made 12 starts. With those opportunities, Ossai has collected 14.5 sacks, 44 quarterback hits, 116 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and three pass deflections.
Getting Into the Numbers
Ossai received a three-year $36 million contract. That $12 million annual salary places him No. 29 among the highest-paid pass rushers in the NFL, per Over The Cap.
The Jets are undergoing massive defensive changes. Over the years, they have primarily employed a 4-3 defense, but they will shift to a 3-4 base this offseason.
That’ll require bigger defensive ends that can eat up blocks and set the edge in the run game. Paired with those defensive ends in an odd front will be an array of stand-up outside linebackers who can rush the passer.
Top Social Media Reactions to Ossai Joining the Jets
ESPN’s Rich Cimini noted that Ossai has recorded a total of 10 sacks over the last two seasons. The arrow is pointing up.
“Ossai finished the season with 10.6% pressure rate and 12.1% pass rush win rate (ESPN metric powered by Next Gen Stats), which were both the best marks of his career,” Cimini posted on social media.
Ossai finished the season with 10.6% pressure rate and 12.1% pass rush win rate (ESPN metric powered by Next Gen Stats), which were both the best marks of his career. #Jets https://t.co/MFFpsESxOK
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) March 9, 2026
NFL Insider Connor Hughes of SNY “reached out to a few defensive coaches” on the Jets’ addition of Ossai. He described him as a “good” depth piece.
“Ossai is very similar player to Mike Clemons. Not quite as big, but plays straight line fast. ‘He plays his balls off,’ one coach said. He’s a little stiff, though, which can lead to some missed plays. High-effort guy coaches love,” Hughes posted.
Connor Hughes
Reached out to a few defensive coaches on new #Jets DL Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare. Their opinions more valuable than mine.
They’re two good depth pieces.
– Ossai is very similar player to Mike Clemons. Not quite as big, but plays straight line fast. “He plays his
This is a developing story and we’ll provide new details as they become available.