Mentored by Trey Hendrickson and groomed by Sam Hubbard, Joseph Ossai likes the idea that he's now a bookend instead of on the shelf.

"That's the plan," a very healthy Ossai said Friday as he eyes the starting left end spot Hubbard has anchored for the last seven seasons.

He had just signed his one-year deal for a reported $7 million, but there is nothing different today. Ossai has been on a prove-it-deal for the last four years, ever since he made one of the most spectacular debuts in Bengals' history marred by rookie season-ending injuries to his knee and wrist.

"There's no way I'll be able to fill (Hubbard's) shoes. He's 'Captain Sosa.' He'll be missed for sure. Great dude. Great player," Ossai said. "He was very reliable as a captain, as a leader, as a mentor, as a football player. I'm trying to implement that to my game. A lot of the ends have to pick it up heavy to cover that loss."

When Hubbard went down last season with three games to go, Ossai started the rest of the way and ended his season with the fine play that marked the second half of his year: 10 pressures, two sacks, two hits on the quarterback and 14 tackles that included eight in the overtime win over Denver.

Even before Hubbard retired last week, the Bengals had identified Ossai as a free agent they wanted to get back. A no-brainer, really.

He won't turn 25 until next month, and he's had intoxicating stretches of production (he was an absolute beast in the 2022 season's 10-game winning streak when he wrapped a torn labrum and balled out) that have been offset by injuries. Ever since that preseason opener in Tampa he dumped Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady on his second NFL snap.

He's healthy now. Plus, his five sacks were the second most behind Hendrickson's league-leading 17.5. With at least half a sack in six of the last seven games, Ossai showed the brain trust the reasons they drafted him in the third round out of Texas in 2021. After playing 51% of the snaps, the first time he played more than a third of the plays in his NFL career, the sense is more snaps equals more production.

So, they started selling Ossai right after the season with their new defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery and new defensive coordinator Al Golden.

"I was in here working out for a month-and-a-half after the season and they talked about their vision for me and that gave me peace of mind with the decision even though they're new," Ossai said. "They see me doing what I was doing this last six, seven games with my motor. The way (Golden) was talking to me, he liked the way I played, and it sounded like he's willing to give me a chance to use those attributes on the field in his defense."

The idea, of course, is that he bookends with Hendrickson, the guy who took him under his wing last offseason during Paycor Stadium workouts.

"When was I finally healthy? Last summer when got in here," Ossai said of training camp. "I was healthy, but I wasn't over that mental hump. That mental block from the past injuries. Protecting myself. Not wanting to do things because I didn't want to fall into another injury.

"Trey Hendrickson was a huge part of me overcoming that mental hurdle. (Last summer) was the first time since the wrist surgery I was able to take off the wrist tape and complete a lift. Ever since then I've been over it. He would send me stuff all the time and help me get beyond that and I was able to do that."

No doubt Ossai has been a comfort to Hendrickson this offseason. They talk. Just like defensive tackle B.J. Hill talks to Hendrickson "all the time." When Hill signed a three-year deal earlier this week, he said Hendrickson had been advising him through the process and telling him to follow his heart.

All of this while Hendrickson has received permission to seek a trade, but Ossai hopes there's an avenue back here for him so they're starting bookends on Opening Day.

"Selfishly, I want him back. He's a great friend and mentor to me," Ossai said. "He has to do what's best for him and his family."

Family is one of the things they have in common. Maybe not demeanor. "He's more stoic at times than I am," Ossai said.

But definitely family. Hendrickson is devoted to his wife and new son and on Friday, Ossai invited his family into Paycor for the signing.

Father Vitus. Mother Emmanuela. Sister Peace. Brother Emmanuel.

"That's my why," Ossai said.

Now he's healthy and has a one-year deal. So why not?

"I can't wait," Ossai said.