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Bengals projected to land ex-Ravens 30 sack pass rusher in free agency originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cincinnati Bengals have a major need on the defensive side of the ball. But, while the team could use more linebacker, cornerback, and interior defensive line help, the safety and pass rusher rooms are the biggest needs.

And in free agency, with plenty of safeties available, landing the best possible pass rusher takes priority. For the Bengals, there are a few interesting names to replace Trey Hendrickson.

According to ESPN's Aaron Schatz, the Bengals are projected to replace Hendrickson with a 30.5 sack former Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers pass rusher on a free agent deal this offseason.

Bengals projected to sign 30.5 sack former Ravens, Chargers pass rusher

"With Trey Hendrickson probably on his way out of Cincinnati, the Bengals need an edge rusher," Schatz writes.

Odafe Oweh is a 27-year-old pass rusher who's spent the last five years of his career with the Ravens and Chargers. He was traded mid-season to the Chargers in 2025, and in the final 12 games, he recorded 7.5 sacks in a breakout second-half.

For the Bengals, a team that needs more juice at pass rusher with Shemar Stewart being a bit of a let-down in his rookie year, adding Oweh would be a nice pickup.

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He has 30.5 sacks in his NFL career, including 7.5 in 2025 and 10 in 2024. He has 176 total tackles to go with seven forced fumbles in his career so far.

Since Hendrickson is likely on his way out of Cincinnati this offseason, the Bengals could use a player like Oweh. While it's not the best fit, since Oweh is more of an outside linebacker than a hands-in-the-dirt defensive end, his production is still worth investing in.

Oweh was the 31st overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and he should be a big help to his new team next year. Schatz is projecting that team to be the Bengals, as Cincinnati desperately could use a pass rusher with his upside.

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