Dallas could eye under-the-radar edge rusher Joseph Ossai for 2026. He offers skill, defensive impact, and cap-friendly potential for the Cowboys.
As the 2026 NFL free-agency period approaches, there’s a lot of buzz about top names and splash signings. But for a franchise like the Dallas Cowboys — always looking to balance roster improvement with cap flexibility — finding under-the-radar contributors can be just as valuable as landing stars.
One veteran edge-rusher being mentioned as a potential fit in Dallas is Joseph Ossai, whose skill set could help address a key need on the Cowboys’ defense.
In a recent article by Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport, he lists some overlooked veterans who could be key free agent signings, and gives some teams who he thinks could be a fit for each. And for Dallas, he has them as a potential fit for the Bengals star.
"Ossai hasn't posted gaudy stats over his four seasons in the Queen City. But his playing time has increased in recent years, and he has shown the ability to both set the edge and get after opposing quarterbacks," Davenport writes. "Ossai is entering the prime of his career, and among edge-rushers who aren't going to command a big contract in 2026, he is the best bet to have a coming-out party in a new home."
Ossai, a former third-round pick out of the University of Texas, has spent his first several seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and showed steady growth as both a run defender and pass-rusher.
While he hasn’t put up eye-popping sack totals, his recent play reveals a player who’s increasing his impact each year.
The 25-year-old edge rusher put up five sacks, 43 total tackles, and nine tackles for loss. He was also able to show his nose for the ball with a pair of forced fumbles, and he did all of this in just nine games.
The Cowboys enter this offseason with multiple defensive needs — and a pass rusher who can help immediately without commanding a massive contract could be a big win. Bringing Ossai in would give Dallas experienced depth and allow the front office to focus early draft capital on other areas such as linebacker or secondary help.
It’s also worth noting that Ossai is entering his prime years as a defender. At his age, he has room to improve his consistency and refine his pass-rush toolkit, but he already displays the traits teams covet: effort, athleticism, and an ability to pressure quarterbacks regularly.
No single free-agent signing can fix every issue, and the Cowboys will need contributions across the defense to reach playoff contention. But securing a player like Ossai — one who blends experience with upside and fits within salary-cap realities — could be a savvy piece of the puzzle as Dallas looks to bolster its edge rush heading into 2026.