With the 2026 NFL Free Agency period set to begin this week, the New York Jets and general manager Darren Mougey was quick to make his first move on Monday afternoon.

Moments before the legal tampering period opened, the Jets landed Minkah Fitzpatrick in a deal with the Miami Dolphins. This, however, would only be the beginning of a massive day for the franchise, as Mougey followed up the trade with a huge free agency signing.

According to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, the Jets have signed former Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai to a three-year, $36 million deal to begin the free agency period.

Ossai, a third-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has been an underrated pass rusher in the NFL since joining the Bengals. After missing his entire rookie season due to him tearing his meniscus right before the 2021 season, Ossai would eventually make his debut with the Bengals in the following season.

In 2022, the former Texas Longhorn standout had a limited role on defense, but still managed to be a factor throughout the year. Ossai finished his first season with 17 tackles and 3.5 sacks in his 16 games played with Cincinnati.

Flash forward to the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Ossai would eventually see an increase in his role on defense, which led to some of his best years in the NFL. Over the past two seasons, the 25-year-old defensive end racked up 89 tackles and 10 sacks while playing alongside one of the best EDGE rushers in Trey Hendrickson.

Now, Ossai is set to join a Jets roster that is in desperate need of a pass rusher. Mougey kicked off the offseason by trading veteran EDGE Jermaine Johnson to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat, leaving a massive hole in the defensive end room.

Luckily for New York, the struggling franchise could completely revamp its pass rush this offseason by pairing Ossai with Ohio State linebacker/defensive end Arvell Reese, who is the favorite to become the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Jets Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things New York Jets. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.