Bengals' OT Joseph Ossai To Sign New Deal: Will He Re-Sign?

The Cincinnati Bengals have been one of the most exciting teams in the NFL over the past few seasons, and their success has been largely due to the strong play of their offensive tackles. One of the key players on the team's O-line is Joseph Ossai, a talented young left tackle who has quickly become a fan favorite. In recent days, there have been rumors that Ossai is in talks with the Bengals to sign a new deal, but will he re-sign with the team that drafted him? In this article, we'll dive into the latest news and speculate on whether Ossai will stay in Cincinnati or pursue a new opportunity.

The Bengals have a history of developing and retaining talented young players, and Ossai is no exception. He was drafted by the team in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft and has quickly become a key member of the team's O-line. Despite being just 23 years old, Ossai has already established himself as one of the top tackles in the league, known for his athleticism, technical skills, and ability to handle both run and pass blocking.

As the Bengals look to rebuild and retool their roster, Ossai's future with the team is likely to be a major priority. The team has made significant changes to their front office and coaching staff, and it's unclear how much of a role Ossai will play in the team's plans. However, with his young age and talent, it's likely that the Bengals will want to keep him in the fold.

The Case for Ossai Re-Signing with the Bengals

There are several reasons why the Bengals would want to re-sign Ossai:

• Youth and Development: As mentioned earlier, Ossai is still just 23 years old, and the Bengals have a history of developing and retaining young players. Re-signing him would allow the team to continue investing in his growth and development.
• Talent and Skill: Ossai is an incredibly talented tackle, with the ability to handle both run and pass blocking. He's a key component of the team's O-line, and re-signing him would provide a level of continuity and stability.
• Cost Savings: Re-signing Ossai would be a cost-effective way for the Bengals to retain one of their top players. This would allow the team to allocate resources to other areas of the roster and make other moves to improve the team.

Potential Contract Terms

If the Bengals do decide to re-sign Ossai, there are several potential contract terms that could be on the table:

• Length: Ossai's new deal could be a 4- or 5-year contract, depending on the team's plans and priorities.
• Value: The contract value could be in the range of $15-20 million per year, depending on Ossai's expected production and market value.
• Guarantees: The deal could include guarantees for the first two or three years of the contract, providing Ossai with a level of financial security.

The Case Against Ossai Re-Signing with the Bengals

There are also several reasons why the Bengals might decide not to re-sign Ossai:

• Free Agency: Ossai is still relatively young, and he may be able to command a larger contract if he hits the free agency market. This could make it more difficult for the Bengals to retain him.
• Injury Concerns: Ossai has dealt with injuries throughout his career, including a severe knee injury that forced him to miss several games last season. The Bengals may be hesitant to invest in a player who has a history of injury.
• Coaching Staff Changes: The Bengals have made significant changes to their coaching staff, and it's unclear how much of a role Ossai will play in the team's plans. If the team is moving in a different direction, it may not be worth investing in Ossai.

Potential Alternatives

If the Bengals do decide not to re-sign Ossai, there are several potential alternatives they could consider:

• Trade Options: The Bengals could consider trading Ossai to another team, potentially receiving a package of draft picks or other assets in return.
• Free Agency: As mentioned earlier, Ossai may be able to command a larger contract if he hits the free agency market. The Bengals could consider signing him to a free agent deal, potentially overpaying him for his services.
• Younger Options: The Bengals could also consider developing a younger tackle to replace Ossai. This could involve drafting a tackle in the first round of the draft or signing a younger tackle to a contract.

Conclusion

The future of Joseph Ossai with the Cincinnati Bengals is uncertain, but it's likely that the team will try to re-sign him to a new deal. With his young age and talent, Ossai is a key component of the team's O-line, and re-signing him would provide a level of continuity and stability. However, the Bengals may also consider alternative options, including trading him or signing him to a free agent deal. Ultimately, the decision will depend on the team's priorities and plans for the future.

Additional Notes

• Injury Update: Ossai has been dealing with a knee injury in recent weeks, and it's unclear whether he'll be able to participate in the team's offseason program.
• Offseason Moves: The Bengals have made several significant moves in the offseason, including the hiring of a new defensive coordinator and the signing of a key free agent. These moves could impact Ossai's role on the team and his future with the team.