Bengals Rumors: Texans' Ogbo Okoronkwo Could Be FA Target; CIN Eyeing Edge-Rusher

The Cincinnati Bengals could target Ogbo Okoronkwo as they look to reinforce their depth at edge-rusher, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano.

Okoronkwo had five sacks, 44 tackles and nine tackles for loss with the Houston Texans in 2022.

The 27-year-old would provide some support for Trey Hendrickson, who saw his production fall off in 2022 while still earning his second Pro Bowl nod.

Hendrickson registered a career-high 14 sacks in 2021, which were the fifth-most in the NFL. Opposing offenses adjusted this past season, and his sack total fell to eight. Still, there was no question he made his presence felt.

Because they have Hendrickson, the Bengals don't need to shop at the upper end of the free-agent market. In general, they'll want to maintain some long-term flexibility as well with Joe Burrow eligible to sign an extension this summer.

Okoronkwo checks both boxes, providing on-field value without breaking the bank. ESPN's Seth Walder listed him as the most underrated edge-rusher available:

"Okoronkwo recorded only five sacks in 2022, but that came while playing just 44% of snaps — which was actually a career high. Given more opportunity, Okoronkwo could be a productive edge defender, with 19% and 31% pass rush and run stop win rates, respectively (which ranked 13th and fourth at the position). Put him on a better team and the sacks will come."

Cincinnati may not be the only team tracking Okoronkwo, though, and you'd assume the Texans will be keen on a reunion given how much of a bargain he was.

The Bengals showed in 2022 their run to Super Bowl LVI was no fluke, however. Signing Okoronkwo would be one of those moves around the margins that could pay big dividends on the field.