The Cincinnati Bengals have handled their biggest offseason business, locking down Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to massive long-term deals and ensuring the keystones of Joe Burrow's offense are headed nowhere.
Late last week, after re-signing in Cincy, defensive end Joseph Ossai verbalized the belief that the Bengals can bounce back with the same crew that came up shy of the playoffs last season.
"I believe in us," Ossai said on Friday, via the Dayton Daily News. "I believe in what we have done. I believe in the players we have, even the pieces we brought in. I believe in them, the new coaches, and if we're going to do it one year, why not run it back?"
Ossai's "run it back" comments have new context after Sunday's signings of Chase and Higgins, which ensures at least some of the offseason drama in Cincy is thwarted before we've hit the draft. There is still the issue with Trey Hendrickson's contract, but the big two are out of the way early.
Ensuring Chase and Higgins remain alongside Burrow for at least the next handful of seasons assures the Bengals will be an entertaining crew that can push for deep postseason runs in the AFC. In a league where offensive expositions are a difference-maker, Cincy is always a threat with its highly paid trio.
The big question in Cincy now turns to the defense.
The Bengals have spent most of the offseason retaining some of their own pieces, like Ossai and defensive tackle B.J. Hill. Questions remain at linebacker, and the secondary is coming off a shaky season. Sam Hubbard's retirement leaves a hole on the edge, and Hendrickson's trade request still lingers. Cincy not making a move to add another pass rusher in free agency offers optimism that the front office believes a solution with the NFL's reigning sack leader is likely.
A rotational edge rusher, Ossai came on strong down the stretch last season, with all five of his sacks coming in the final seven games. When Hubbard went down due to injury, Ossai started the final three tilts and performed well, flashing his upside with more reps.
After last year's defensive struggles, the Bengals fired defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and brought in Al Golden.
"I was in here working out for a month-and-a-half after the season and they talked about their vision for me and that gave me peace of mind with the decision even though they're new," Ossai said of the new defensive staff. "They see me doing what I was doing this last six, seven games with my motor. The way (Golden) was talking to me, he liked the way I played, and it sounded like he's willing to give me a chance to use those attributes on the field in his defense."
How Golden improves the Bengals defense in 2025 will be a significant underlying plotline heading into the season. We know the offense will put up points.
