CINCINNATI, OH (January 20, 2026) — As the Cincinnati Bengals begin the post-mortem on their 2025 season and pivot toward a critical offseason, the franchise’s front office has made one objective clear: the defense must be fixed. While the offense, led by franchise quarterback Joe Burrow, remains championship-caliber, the defensive unit—specifically the pass rush—requires an infusion of talent and depth. According to a new prediction from ESPN, that help could arrive in the form of a familiar face with deep ties to Burrow and the state of Ohio.

ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz has made a bold prediction for Cincinnati’s free agency strategy, forecasting that the club will aggressively target veteran edge rushers. At the top of that list is former five-time Pro Bowler Joey Bosa.

The “Volume” Approach

In his latest analysis of the Bengals’ offseason needs, Schatz argues that Cincinnati cannot afford to rely on a single splash signing to fix their defensive woes. instead, they need to take a “volume” approach to the edge rusher market.

“The Bengals will sign more than one veteran edge rusher, such as Joey Bosa, Yetur Gross-Matos, D.J. Wonnum, or Charles Omenihu,” Schatz wrote. “As mentioned above, the Bengals will have to attack the edge rusher free agent class with volume.”

This strategy signals a shift in philosophy for a Bengals team that has historically been conservative in free agency. However, with the AFC North remaining one of the most physical and quarterback-rich divisions in football, the need to consistently pressure opposing passers is non-negotiable.

The Burrow-Bosa Connection

While names like Gross-Matos and Wonnum offer solid depth, the inclusion of Joey Bosa carries a different weight. The connection between Bosa and the Bengals is not merely tactical; it is personal.

The link revolves entirely around Joe Burrow. Flashbacks to 2016 are dominating the current NFL narrative, and for good reason. Burrow and Joey Bosa were teammates at Ohio State in 2015. At the time, Burrow was a true freshman trying to make his mark, while Bosa was a dominant junior destined for the top of the NFL Draft.

Although their time on the field together was limited, the relationship between Burrow and the Bosa family has remained strong. Burrow eventually became close friends with Joey’s younger brother, Nick Bosa (currently a star for the San Francisco 49ers), and has maintained a tight bond with former Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard, another Ohio State alumnus.

For more than a decade, Burrow and Bosa have moved in the same football circles. Now, as both enter the veteran stages of their careers, a reunion in Cincinnati makes logical sense. It would bring a proven leader into the locker room who already has the respect and trust of the team’s most important player.

Assessing the Risk: Bosa in 2026

The Joey Bosa of 2026 is different from the explosive rookie who took the league by storm in 2016. After spending the bulk of his career as the face of the Los Angeles Chargers’ defense, Bosa spent the 2025 season with the Buffalo Bills on a “prove-it” one-year deal worth $12.61 million.

His tenure in Buffalo offered a mixed but promising bag for potential suitors. In his age-30 season, Bosa played in 15 games, recording five sacks. While those numbers don’t scream “Defensive Player of the Year,” the most encouraging statistic was his availability. Known for struggling with injuries in previous years, Bosa managed to stay healthy for the vast majority of the season, proving he can still contribute meaningful snaps in a rotation.

Schatz’s prediction suggests that Bosa’s value now lies in his efficiency and experience rather than his ability to carry a defense solo. He is expected to hit the free-agent market again in March, and his market value will likely reflect his status as a veteran rotational piece rather than a premier starter.

Why It Makes Sense for Cincinnati

For the Bengals, signing Joey Bosa would check multiple boxes.

First, the price is likely right. As Bosa progresses into his early 30s, he is expected to be affordable, likely seeking another short-term deal to chase a ring. This fits within the Bengals’ salary cap structure, allowing them to sign Bosa while still having funds left over to address other needs—or, as Schatz suggests, sign a second edge rusher to pair with him.

Second, the Bengals need “adults in the room” on defense. Adding a player with Bosa’s résumé—someone who knows how to prepare, how to study film, and how to win one-on-one battles in crucial moments—would be invaluable for the younger defensive linemen on the roster.

Finally, it signals to Joe Burrow that the organization is serious about winning now. Bringing in a player Burrow knows and respects shows a commitment to maximizing the quarterback’s prime years.

The Missing Piece of the Puzzle

Joey Bosa would not be a savior for the Bengals’ defense, but he would be a significant piece of the puzzle. The modern NFL is won in the trenches. To compete with the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson in January, a team needs a stable of pass rushers who can rotate in and keep the pressure high for 60 minutes.

Adding proven talent like Bosa is imperative to match the output of Burrow’s offense. The Bengals have the firepower to score with anyone, but without a defense that can get off the field on third down, a return to the Super Bowl will remain out of reach.

As March approaches, all eyes will be on Cincinnati’s front office. If Aaron Schatz’s prediction holds true, fans might soon see a No. 97 jersey in black and orange, rushing the passer alongside Sam Hubbard, completing an Ohio State reunion that has been a decade in the making. The road to the playoffs might just run through a reunion of old friends.