Bengals had curiosity in signing Giants’ Azeez Ojulari earlier than re-signing Joseph Ossai

The Cincinnati Bengals have formally begun the offseason rebuilding as they put together to bounce again from a disappointing 2024 outing regardless of Joe Burrow’s MVP-worthy season and Ja’Marr Chase’s Triple Crown.

They’ve made a number of signings on protection, bringing in some new and acquainted faces, together with edge rusher Joseph Ossai, who signed a one-year, team-friendly deal.

Earlier than they did, although, the staff had some curiosity in bringing in former Giants exterior linebacker Azeez Ojulari, however talks didn’t go very far, in keeping with Kelsey Conway.

Ojulari is coming off a seven-sack season (PFF) and has had 26 sacks over his final 4 seasons with the New York Giants. He was a second-round decide within the 2021 NFL draft out of Georgia. He broke the Giants’ rookie sack file in 2021 (which was beforehand set by BJ Hill) however spent a while in 2022 and 2023 on IR.

Trey Hendrickson led the league in sacks in 2024 (17.5), however the Bengals struggled to get any constant cross rush from anybody else. Ossai did flip issues on late within the season when he obtained the enjoying time, so it’s good he returned.

Keep tuned because the Bengals navigate free company.