
DE · New York Jets
Height
6'4"
Weight
263 lbs
Age
26
College
Texas
Draft
2021, Rd 3, #69
Experience
5 yrs
DE Rank
#53 / 161
Grade this player:
| Year | Team | GP | Sacks | Tkl | TFL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | ![]() | 61 | 14.5 | 116 | 16 |
| 2025 | ![]() | 14 | 5.0 | 43 | 6.5 |
| 2024 | ![]() | 17 | 5.0 | 46 | 6 |
| 2023 | ![]() | 14 |
Length
3 years
Total Value
$34.5M
Guaranteed
$22.5M
AAV
$11.5M/yr
The Jets made a sensible but unremarkable investment in Joseph Ossai, securing rotational pass-rush depth at market rate with his 3-year, $34.5M deal that earns a C CVI. At $11.5M annually, New York is paying appropriate compensation for a rotational player who can provide situational pass-rush snaps without being asked to anchor their defensive line as a full-time starter. The $22.5M in guaranteed money represents reasonable downside protection for a player entering his prime years, though it also limits the Jets' flexibility if Ossai fails to develop beyond his current role. This contract reflects the harsh reality of the pass-rusher market — even rotational edge defenders command significant investment due to positional scarcity and the premium teams place on getting after the quarterback. While Ossai won't transform their defense, the Jets addressed a depth need without breaking the bank or committing to an albatross deal, making this a solid if unspectacular addition to their defensive rotation.
Joseph Ossai earns a D+ grade as an edge rusher whose career with the Jets has been defined by flashes without sustained production. The former third-round pick has the athletic profile to be a legitimate pass-rush threat — the speed and bend are both evident on tape. However, consistency has been the missing ingredient, and converting those athletic traits into sacks on a weekly basis hasn't happened yet. The Jets' defense needs more from its edge rushers, and Ossai is one of several players competing to fill that void. His upside is real, but the clock is ticking on converting potential into production.
No transactions found for this player.
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| 1.0 |
| 10 |
| 2 |
| 2022 | ![]() | 16 | 3.5 | 17 | 1.5 |
| 2021 | ![]() | 1 | 1.0 | 3 | 0 |
Updated Mar 22, 2026
Recent seasons are weighted more heavily in the overall performance grade.
C+
2025
(50% weight)
C-
2024
(30% weight)
F
2023
(20% weight)