Who Should the Cincinnati Bengals Target in Free Agency? One Name Stands Out

Let’s be real—being a Cincinnati Bengals fan in 2024 was a rollercoaster. Joe Burrow was slinging it like the superstar we know he is, Ja’Marr Chase was making defenders look silly, and yet, here we are, staring at another offseason with more questions than answers. The defense? A mess. The offensive line? Still a work in progress. With free agency looming and about $47.5 million in cap space to play with (thanks, Over the Cap), the Bengals have a chance to fix some of these headaches. So, who’s the best free agent fit for our team? After digging into the options, one name keeps popping up: Osa Odighizuwa, the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive tackle who’s about to hit the market.

The Bengals’ Defense Needs a Hero

If you watched even five minutes of a Bengals game this year, you know the defense was painful to witness. Twenty-fifth in scoring defense, thirtieth in red-zone stops—it felt like opposing offenses were waltzing into the end zone while we sat there helpless. Trey Hendrickson was a one-man wrecking crew with 17.5 sacks, but the rest of the line? Not so much. We lost DJ Reader a couple of years back, and while B.J. Hill and Sheldon Rankins tried to hold it down, the interior pressure just wasn’t there. Only 36 sacks all season—25th in the league—and those early games where we gave up 140 rushing yards like it was nothing? Brutal.

Enter Osa Odighizuwa. This guy’s not just a name to throw around—he led all interior defenders in quarterback hits in 2024. That’s the kind of juice we’ve been missing since Reader left. Analysts like Marcus Mosher from The 33rd Team have already linked him to Cincinnati, and it’s easy to see why. He’s quick, he’s disruptive, and at 26, he’s still got plenty of prime years ahead. Pair him with Hendrickson, and suddenly our defensive front looks like it can actually scare somebody.

Why Osa Fits Like a Glove

I’ll admit, when I first heard Odighizuwa’s name, I wasn’t sure he’d be the answer. He’s not the massive, run-stuffing brick wall Reader was, and our run defense still gives me nightmares. But here’s the thing: our pass rush from the interior was practically nonexistent this year, and that’s a bigger problem in today’s NFL. Odighizuwa’s burst off the line could give Burrow a fighting chance by getting the ball back faster. Imagine him collapsing pockets while Hendrickson comes flying off the edge—quarterbacks would be sweating.

Plus, the money works. He’s projected at around $21 million a year over three years—$63 million total—which sounds steep until you realize we’ve got the cap space to make it happen. B.J. Hill’s a free agent, Rankins could be cut to save cash, and we’d still have room to maneuver. It’s not about rebuilding the whole defense; it’s about adding a spark. Odighizuwa could be that guy, letting younger players like Myles Murphy grow without being thrown into the deep end.

What About Tee Higgins and the Offense?

Okay, I know what some of you are thinking: “What about Tee Higgins?” Losing him would sting—he’s a free agent too, and keeping him with Chase would keep our offense elite. I get it. Burrow deserves all the weapons he can get, and that offensive line still needs help (looking at you, right tackle). There’s also chatter about guys like Chris Godwin if we want another receiver, or even a corner like Rasul Douglas to shore up the secondary, especially with Dax Hill coming off injury.

But here’s my take: the offense is already good enough to win. Chase is a monster, Burrow’s a magician, and we can patch the line with cheaper vets or draft picks. The defense, though? It’s been the Achilles’ heel holding us back. X posts from Bengals fans and takes from Bengals Wire keep pointing to the same thing—our D needs a boost, and Odighizuwa’s the kind of impact player who could turn things around.

A Dream Worth Chasing

Picture this: it’s September 2025, and the Bengals are hosting the Steelers. Burrow’s got the offense humming, but for once, the defense isn’t letting us down. Odighizuwa barrels through the line, smacks Justin Fields for a sack, and the Paycor Stadium crowd loses its mind. Hendrickson’s grinning on the sideline, knowing he’s not carrying the load alone anymore. That’s the vision I’m holding onto.

So, what do you think, Bengals faithful? Should we go all-in on a defensive game-changer like Odighizuwa, or spread the cash around elsewhere? Free agency’s coming fast, and with $47.5 million burning a hole in our pocket, this offseason could be the one that finally gets us over the hump. Let’s hear your take—I’m all ears.

Jim Tressel Arrives as New Ohio Lieutenant Governor

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine named ex-Ohio State University football coach Jim Tressel as the next of Office of Ohio's Lieutenant Governor on February 10, 2025. This address to an empty office created by Jon Husted, who took a seat in the U.S. Senate after promotion of J.D. Vance to the Vice Presidency of the United States.

WATCH LIVE: Gov. DeWine announces Jim Tressel for next lieutenant governor of Ohio

From Gridiron to Governance

Nicknamed "The Senator" during his time at Ohio State, Jim Tressel has had perhaps one of the more interesting careers both on and off the field. Before he became appointed to that post, he was serving as the president of Youngstown State University; he retired from there in 2023 after nearly a decade. His educational and community involvement were mentioned by Governor DeWine as key reasons for his selection.

The highlight of Tressel's coaching career was the national championship of the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2002, together with seven Big Ten championships. His style of football, sometimes referred to as "Tresselball," had the emphasis on defense and playing smart, which appealed to many within Ohio as a disciplined approach and one in which the final score often showed it. Now, as an administrator in higher education at Youngstown State, he has shown his leadership in fostering partnerships for economic development and workforce training.

A New Chapter

The appointment of Tressel into this political position has created a buzz of conversation throughout the state. As stated by Governor DeWine upon the announcement, "Jim Tressel knows Ohio, shares my values, and has the ability to pull people together. His experience in leadership and education will be invaluable in this position."

But the appointment isn't without its critics. Some question whether Tressel's background in athletics and education adequately prepared him for the complex subtleties of state government. Critics point to controversies from his past, including the NCAA infractions by his players that forced him to resign from Ohio State in 2011, implying his track record isn't spotless on matters related to oversight and compliance.

Community and Political Reactions

Social media is mixed: Ohio State fans and alumni like the fact with excitement that one of their own is getting a state leadership role, while others question his preparedness for such an important political position. Messages posted to X include Tressel's strong roots to Ohio, his crisis leadership in times of extreme difficulty at YSU, and the potential he brings for a fresh understanding of state governance.

With a strong Republican majority seen in the Ohio House and Senate, confirmation is most expected for Tressel. His nomination will surely face heavy scrutiny from both the left and the right as it zeroes in on his vision regarding Ohio's educational and economic policies.

Outlook

Tressel, 72, said he'll hit the books to learn the ways of state government. "I don't know this world," Tressel said during the announcement, "but I believe in our governor and what he believes in. My first job is to go to school on that."

With Tressel's appointment, Ohio may be getting a mixture of old-school conservative values and a focus on education and workforce development-the areas in which he has been so heavily involved. How well he will do in this position largely depends on how well he can translate his leadership style from the football field and university campus to the political arena in Columbus.

Whether Tressel can repeat those successes in football and academia at this level, nobody knows, but his hiring promises an interesting chapter in Ohio's political tale now that everyone has eyes trained on this ex-coach-cum-statesman.

Ohio State OL Coach Justin Frye to Take Job with Arizona Cardinals, Leaving Buckeyes with Coaching Void

 Major news that reaches both college and the NFL alike as Ohio State offensive line coach Justin Frye is expected to take the same position with the Arizona Cardinals. Frye, in his third year with the Buckeyes, jumps to the NFL after helping the Buckeyes with a national championship this season. His exit indeed represents a significant transition for Ohio State as a replacement is tasked with taking such an important job in its staff, while this is a vital addition for a Cardinals club intent on strengthening depth on the field, especially around the offensive line.

Frye's Time at Ohio State and to the NFL

Justin Frye's time in Columbus has been one filled with ups and downs. Since his arrival in 2022, he brought instant excitement as an offensive line coach and associate head coach for offense. Frye took over duties from Greg Studrawa in the Buckeyes' coaching circle. He experienced his best this season, steering through a serious of major injuries to the line, including losses of starting left tackle Josh Simmons and Rimington Trophy-winning center Seth McLaughlin. With these setbacks Frye still could field a cohesive unit that was sacked only four times during a playoff run where it out-gained opponents 392 yards combined on the ground. It was that resilience that allowed Ohio State to win the national championship and complete a year of ups and downs.

Most remarkably, he used more than 20 different combinations of offensive linemen throughout the season-a coaching feat, to say the least. Still, Frye's year wasn't without its criticism. Frye did catch some heat for his recruiting, which had been below the typical standard set by Ohio State. Since his arrival, he signed only two top-100 offensive linemen: in-state products Luke Montgomery and 2025 signee Carter Lowe. Depth was also a concern, particularly at tackle, but the on-field product quieted many of his critics.

Now, Frye is in line for his first NFL coaching job with the Arizona Cardinals, filling a position vacated by Klayton Adams when he was hired as offensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys. It reunites Frye with former Ohio State standout Paris Johnson Jr., the Cardinals' starting left tackle and a 2023 first-round draft pick whom Frye coached during his final season with the Buckeyes. With Frye's experience coaching the offensive line at a high level at stops such as UCLA, Boston College, and Temple, and a brief stint as UCLA's offensive coordinator under Chip Kelly, he was too good to pass up for the Cardinals. He reportedly interviewed for a similar role with the Chicago Bears earlier this week, meaning the NFL had a high interest in his expertise.

Impact on the Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are adding a coach who has shown the ability to develop talent and handle adversity. Frye's work in retooling Ohio State's offensive line, particularly midway through the season with the losses of two All-Americans, has been widely praised by analysts and players alike. His new role in Arizona also opens the door to working with former Buckeye's star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., coming off his rookie season with the Cardinals. Having an Arizona team striving to improve performance in the trenches, Frye's hiring becomes a strategic attempt to bring stability and expertise to the unit.

Ohio State's Next Challenge: Filling the Huge Shoes of Frye

And for Ohio State, his move leaves a hole that is at least as wide as the gigantic shoes he occupies-the second coaching vacancy in this offseason alone after defensive coordinator Jim Knowles left for Penn State. It is an especially difficult time, with Ohio State set to defend its national title in the 2025 season. Head coach Ryan Day will have to move fast to find a replacement who can keep the offensive line performing while trying to fix the recruiting and depth issues that plagued Frye's tenure.

A few potential candidates have emerged as possible replacements. One of those options could come in the form of Kevin Wilson, a former Ohio State offensive coordinator and tight ends coach whose coaching resume in regard to leading the offensive line dates back all the way to Oklahoma in the early 2000s. Recently let go after a two-year stint at the helm for Tulsa, he has deep connections with the program and would represent a very comfortable face for Day to welcome aboard. Another in-house option is Tim Drevno, currently an offensive quality control coach for the Buckeyes. However, Ohio State is also expected to explore external candidates to ensure the best fit for the program’s long-term goals.

Day has emphasized the importance of finding the right person to continue the program’s success, not just in terms of on-field results but also in player development. As he said following the national championship, his coaching philosophy is about helping young men reach their goals and dreams, which will more than likely guide the hiring process. The next offensive line coach will have to hit the ground running, particularly on the recruiting trail, if Ohio State is going to stay ahead in college football.

Looking Ahead

Frye's rise to the NFL is a new chapter in his career, epitomizing how to beat the odds while delivering results in the highest college football echelon. Ohio State, meanwhile, will look toward continuing its trajectory of championships amidst the coaching gaps left by both Frye and Knowles. How the Buckeyes adapt will be one of the biggest storylines going into the 2025 season.

Considering Frye, being reunited with Paris Johnson Jr. and the opportunity to work with an offensive line needing improvement at the Cardinals may set the stage for a very successful NFL coaching debut. For Ohio State, his loss is a gain, as it simply shows the type of coaches that have come through the program.

In all, Justin Frye's move to the Arizona Cardinals is a moment of importance both for himself and the programs concerned. Ohio State has to deal with how it will replace a coach who was integral to its recent championship success, while Frye is off into a new challenge in the NFL. The next few weeks are important for both parties as they look toward their respective futures.