With Trey Hendrickson gone, the Bengals seek a new pass-rush force and LB Odafe Oweh could fit that role perfectly.
The Cincinnati Bengals may be heading into the summer with a significant hole on their defensive line. After deciding not to place the franchise tag on star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, the four-time Pro Bowler is set to enter free agency, effectively ending his five-year run with the team.
Hendrickson had been one of the NFL’s most productive edge rushers during his time in Cincinnati, recording three double-digit sack seasons and ranking among league leaders in pressure rate since joining the team in 2021.
With Hendrickson likely departing, the Bengals must now find a way to maintain a dangerous pass rush, especially in the increasingly competitive AFC North, where elite edge rushers like T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett already dominate the division, with Maxx Crosby also now set to join the Baltimore Ravens.
One name emerging as a potential target is Odafe Oweh, the 27-year-old edge rusher who is expected to be one of the more intriguing defenders on the free-agent market.
According to Spotrac, Oweh could land a deal worth three years and $58 million, averaging $19.3 million per season, placing him in the middle tier of starting NFL edge rushers.
That price range could make him a realistic replacement option for Cincinnati if the front office wants to reinforce the defensive front without committing to another massive long-term deal.
Why Oweh Could Be a Strong Fit in Cincinnati
Oweh brings a blend of athleticism, youth, and upside that could appeal to the Bengals as they reshape their defensive identity.
Originally a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the former Penn State standout quickly built a reputation for his explosiveness off the edge and ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
His development over the past two seasons has been particularly encouraging. Oweh posted a 10-sack season in 2024 and continued producing pressure after a midseason move to the Los Angeles Chargers, finishing with 7.5 sacks in just 12 games during the 2025 campaign.
Those numbers suggest he could still have untapped potential, especially if placed in the right defensive system.
Oweh is entering his prime years and could provide a long-term building block on a defense that is trying to keep pace with the firepower of its offense led by quarterback Joe Burrow.
Another factor working in Oweh’s favor is durability and versatility. At 6-foot-5 and around 250 pounds, he possesses the size and speed to play multiple edge roles in modern NFL defenses, allowing coordinators to move him around the line to create mismatches.
A Move That Could Keep the Bengals Competitive
If the Bengals sign Oweh, it wouldn’t necessarily replace Hendrickson’s production overnight, but it could represent a smart strategic move.
Cincinnati’s front office has emphasized that improving the defense will be a major priority as the team prepares for free agency.
Adding a younger edge rusher like Oweh would fit that approach, giving the Bengals a player who can grow alongside the team’s core while keeping the pass rush dangerous.
The AFC North arms race also makes a move like this even more important. With rival defenses continuing to invest heavily in pass rushers, Cincinnati cannot afford to fall behind in the trenches.
Ultimately, signing Oweh could give the Bengals a high-upside replacement for Hendrickson while maintaining a disruptive presence along the defensive line. Having a player that possesses these attributes could be a critical factor if the team hopes to remain a serious contender in the AFC.