Bengals sign Ja’Marr Chase, Joseph Ossai to rookie contracts

The Cincinnati Bengals have officially signed their remaining two unsigned 2021 NFL draft picks in Ja’Marr Chase, and Joseph Ossai.

Chase, a 6-0, 201 pound wide receiver, was the Bengals’ first round pick. He spent 2018-19 at Louisiana State University (he opted out of the ‘20 season). In 27 career games (21 starts) he amassed 98 catches for 2093 yards and 23 TDs. In 2019, he set single-season SEC records for receiving yards (1780) and touchdowns (20) as Joe Burrow’s leading receiver. He also won the Biletnikoff Award as college football’s top receiver.

Ossai, a 6-4, 256 pound defensive end, was the Bengals’ third-round pick. He spent the last three seasons (2018-20) at the University of Texas. In 36 career games (24 starts) he registered 101 tackles, including 30.5 for losses and 11 sacks, along with two interceptions, five passes defensed, five forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and a blocked kick.

Chase and Ossai were the last of the Bengals’ 10 draft picks to be signed, so their entire draft class is now under contract.