As the 2026 NFL offseason ramps up, edge rushers are going to be a hot commodity-and the Cincinnati Bengals have two of their own set to hit the open market. With a strong crop of defensive ends and outside linebackers available this year, let’s break down how Cincinnati’s in-house options stack up against the rest of the field. Whether it’s proven veterans or ascending young talents, this free agent class has plenty of intrigue-and a few players who could reshape a defense overnight.
Trey Hendrickson (6’4”, 270 lbs.) - Bengals
Even in a season cut short by injury, Hendrickson reminded everyone why he’s still one of the league’s premier pass rushers. He played in parts of just seven games in 2025, but still managed to notch 16 tackles, 4 sacks, and 23 pressures.
That’s efficiency. His 90.0 pass rush grade speaks volumes-when he’s healthy, he’s a problem for offensive tackles.
The 31-year-old’s run defense grade (56.8) leaves a little to be desired, but his ability to disrupt the quarterback is elite. If the Bengals let him walk, there will be no shortage of suitors.
Joseph Ossai (6’4”, 263 lbs.) - Bengals
Ossai is coming off a quietly productive season. At just 26, he’s entering his prime and showed flashes of being more than just a rotational piece.
He racked up 43 tackles, 5 sacks, and led the Bengals with 43 total pressures. His pass rush grade (62.4) doesn’t jump off the page, but his 70.7 run defense grade shows he’s more than a one-trick edge rusher.
A late-season injury cost him a few games, but Ossai made the most of his reps and could be a valuable re-signing for Cincinnati-or a nice pickup for a team looking to develop a high-motor edge defender.
Odafe Oweh (6’5”, 257 lbs.) - Chargers
After a midseason trade from Baltimore to Los Angeles, Oweh took off. He posted 51 pressures and 10.5 sacks with an 81.0 pass rush grade, making a strong case to be one of the top edge rushers available-if he hits the market.
His 64.1 run defense grade is solid, and at 27, he’s right in the sweet spot for a long-term investment. Teams in need of an explosive edge threat who can win with speed and bend should be lining up.
Dre’Mont Jones (6’3”, 281 lbs.) - Ravens
Jones brings versatility and production. He can play inside or out, and in 2025, he totaled 43 tackles and 7 sacks across stints with the Titans and Ravens.
His pass rush grade (69.6) and run defense grade (57.8) are respectable, but his pressure production is what stands out-19 with Tennessee, then 32 more with Baltimore after the trade. He’s nearing 30, which might give some teams pause, but his ability to disrupt from multiple alignments makes him a valuable chess piece.
Jaelan Phillips (6’5”, 263 lbs.) - Dolphins/Eagles
Phillips quietly had one of the more productive seasons among edge rushers in 2025. Splitting time between Miami and Philadelphia, he racked up 53 tackles, 5 sacks, and an eye-popping 76 pressures.
His pass rush grade (76.2) and run defense grade (60.3) show a well-rounded game. At 27, he’s a prime-age pass rusher with elite pressure numbers-don’t be surprised if he commands top-tier money.
Joey Bosa (6’5”, 280 lbs.) - Bills
Bosa may be 31, but he’s still got gas in the tank. After signing a one-year deal with Buffalo, he delivered 32 tackles, 54 pressures, and 5 sacks, along with an 85.5 pass rush grade.
His run defense grade (52.0) isn’t ideal, but Bosa remains a technician with strong hands and a relentless motor. If he’s open to another short-term deal, he’ll have plenty of takers.
K’Lavon Chaisson (6’3”, 245 lbs.) - Patriots
Chaisson is still in playoff mode with New England, but his regular-season numbers already tell a compelling story: 68 pressures, 10.5 sacks, and 37 tackles. The 26-year-old brings speed off the edge, though his 63.0 pass rush grade and 48.4 run defense grade suggest there’s still room for refinement.
One red flag? A 37.8% missed tackle rate.
Still, his athletic upside is hard to ignore.
Kwity Paye (6’2”, 265 lbs.) - Colts
Paye hasn’t quite lived up to first-round expectations, but he’s been solid. He posted 38 pressures, 4 sacks, and 39 tackles in 2025, with a 56.8 pass rush grade and a 65.8 run defense grade. At 27, he’s still young enough to improve, and his strength at the point of attack makes him a decent rotational option for teams needing depth on the edge.
Jadeveon Clowney (6’5”, 255 lbs.) - Free Agent
Clowney continues to defy the aging curve. At 33, he turned in one of his most productive seasons in years: 41 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 40 pressures.
His pass rush (80.6) and run defense (70.6) grades were both strong, showing he’s still a two-way player. He may not be the game-wrecker he once was, but Clowney can still be a force in the right scheme.
Khalil Mack (6’3”, 269 lbs.) - Free Agent
Mack, now 35, may be nearing the end of a Hall of Fame-caliber career, but he still contributed in 2025 with 42 pressures, 5.5 sacks, and 33 tackles. His pass rush grade (67.5) was down from his peak years, but his 77.2 run defense grade shows he can still set the edge. Retirement could be on the table, but if he returns, he’ll bring leadership and savvy to any locker room.
Arden Key (6’5”, 240 lbs.) - Free Agent
Key will turn 30 in February and remains a steady contributor. He notched 33 pressures, 4 sacks, and 22 tackles in 2025.
His pass rush grade (56.7) was underwhelming, but his 71.1 run defense grade shows he’s not a liability on early downs. With 30.5 career sacks, Key brings experience and rotational value.
Boye Mafe (6’4”, 261 lbs.) - Seahawks
Mafe is still in the playoff hunt with Seattle, but his regular-season work already speaks for itself. He’s posted 41 pressures, 34 tackles, and 2 sacks, along with solid grades-68.0 in pass rush and 68.1 against the run. At 27, he’s a player on the rise who could be a breakout candidate with more snaps.
Arnold Ebiketie (6’3”, 256 lbs.) - Falcons
Ebiketie had a solid campaign in 2025, finishing with 36 tackles, 25 pressures, and 2 sacks. His 73.4 pass rush grade and 65.2 run defense grade show a well-rounded skill set.
He’s got 16.5 sacks through four seasons and just turned 27. While not flashy, Ebiketie is a steady, dependable edge presence who could thrive in the right system.
Final Word
The 2026 edge rusher market is deep, diverse, and filled with both proven veterans and ascending talents. For the Bengals, decisions on Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai will be pivotal-not just for their own defense, but for how the rest of the league approaches free agency. Whether they re-sign their own or look outside, there’s no shortage of options to bring heat off the edge.