Get ready for an exciting development in the world of NFL free agency! The Cincinnati Bengals are about to have a golden opportunity to strengthen their defense.
It's been reported that the Bengals won't be using the franchise tag on Trey Hendrickson, which means he's likely to become one of the biggest free agents this offseason. But here's where it gets interesting: the Chargers also seem to be sitting out of the tag game for their pass rusher, Odafe Oweh. This could be a huge break for the Bengals, who are in desperate need of an upgrade in their pass rush.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN confirms that the Chargers don't plan to tag Oweh, leaving him as a prime target for the Bengals. Oweh, a former first-round pick, has shown his potential with 7.5 sacks in just 12 games for the Chargers last season. At 27 years old, he's still got his best years ahead of him, and his pass rush skills are only improving.
"The sense at the end of the week is that Trey Hendrickson (Bengals) and Odafe Oweh (Chargers) will probably not be franchise-tagged." - Jeremy Fowler
If the Bengals sign Oweh, they could be getting a high-floor veteran who could elevate their defense to new heights. Pro Football Focus rates Oweh's pass rush win rate at an impressive 16.5%, which ranked 11th in the NFL during his time with the Chargers. With a combined 17.5 sacks over the past two seasons, Oweh is a force to be reckoned with.
Contract projections vary, with PFF predicting a 4-year, $77 million deal, while The Athletic goes even higher, estimating a 4-year, $88 million contract. The Bengals have shown they're not afraid to invest in their defense, as evidenced by their previous deal with Hendrickson, which turned out to be a massive success.
Would the Bengals take a chance on Oweh with a multi-year contract? It's a decision that could define their upcoming season. The Chargers have until Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET to tag Oweh, but if they don't, he'll hit the free agent market, opening up a world of possibilities for teams like the Bengals.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Bengals' free agency plans and don't forget to subscribe to our channels for all the latest news and analysis!
