With substantial cap space, the Bengals target a dynamic defensive force to bolster their pass rush, potentially landing a former first-round talent according to ESPN.
With NFL free agency set to begin on Wednesday, March 11 at 4 PM ET, teams are preparing to craft their big boards as to which free agents they want to pursue.
For the Cincinnati Bengals, they need to invest on the defensive side of the ball, as that has been their achilles heel throughout the Joe Burrow era.
Luckily for Cincinnati, they have the seventh most cap space in the league with $52 million dollars at their disposal. With that money, Cincinnati could sign any player that they want.
ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz projected one signing for every NFL team this offseason, with Cincinnati spending some serious money to bring in one of the better available pass rushers of the free agent class. That player being none other than Odafe Oweh.
Free Agent Edge Odafe Oweh (98) | © Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn ImagesThe former first round draft pick never found his stride for the Baltimore Ravens, as he only recorded 23 sacks in 67 games played over his five year career in Baltimore.
Due to a lack of production, Baltimore gave up on Oweh as they traded him to the Los Angeles Chargers for safety Alohi Gilman.
Even though Oweh got off to a slow start in 2025, a change of scenery was the exactly what the pass rusher needed. In 12 games for Los Angeles, Oweh recorded 7.5 sacks and 28 total tackles -- one of the best stretches of Oweh's career.
This elite 12 game sample size has made Oweh one of the most sought after free agents of the offseason.
Cincinnati could be losing their top pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, and if they don't resign him, they will possibly have to pivot to a player like Oweh.
Oweh would be a strong fit for Cincinnati's defense, as his size and speed could wreck some havoc on the edge. Additionally, Oweh has experience in the AFC North which could come in handy when facing his former quarterback Lamar Jackson. Oweh has also appeared in the postseason multiple times, where he had three sacks and two forced fumbles against the New England Patriots in the wildcard round.
Oweh is expected to make anywhere from $18 million to $22 million a year in his next contract and will be getting paid like a premier pass rusher. If Cincinnati fails to resign Hendrickson, Oweh could be the next best option for a cheaper price.
Although Oweh isn't on the same level as Myles Garrett or Maxx Crosby, he has still proven that he could be a very good pass rusher for playoff teams.