Bengals Sign Linebacker Joe Giles-Harris to One-Year Deal

CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals have signed linebacker Joe Giles-Harris to a one-year contract for the 2025 season, the team announced on Wednesday.

Giles-Harris, 28, previously spent time on the Bengals’ practice squad for one game late last season. Over his five-year NFL career, he has participated in 22 regular-season games, making three starts.

Originally an undrafted free agent signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019, Giles-Harris has also played for the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots. In total, he has accumulated 20 tackles and one sack on defense, along with 10 tackles on special teams.

“Joe brings valuable experience and depth to our linebacker corps,” said Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. “His ability to contribute on special teams will be an asset to our overall game plan.”

Giles-Harris’ experience includes nearly 600 special teams snaps, which could provide a boost to special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons’ unit.

After signing a three-year contract with Jacksonville in 2019, he was waived by the team in 2021, which led to stints with the Bills and then the Patriots. In August 2023, he joined New England, where he spent two years on the practice squad before rejoining the Jaguars at the end of the 2024 campaign. Throughout 2024, he played in five games, recording four total tackles.

“I’m excited to be a part of the Bengals organization and to contribute to a strong team,” Giles-Harris stated. “I’m ready to work hard and help the team succeed.”