Nov 23, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley (82) catches a pass in the end zone for a touchdown in the fourth quart at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Greene-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images Sam Greene-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Cincinnati Bengals Make Multiple Signings, Bring Back Familiar Faces for 2026 Season

Originally posted on Cincinnati Bengals on SI
By James Rapien | Last updated Jan 5, 2026 4:13 PM ET

The Bengals re-signed multiple restricted free agents on Monday, including a few players that were contributors in 2025.

Cincinnati re-signed wide receiver Mitch Tinsley, defensive end Isaiah Foskey, linebacker Joe Giles-Harris, tight end Cam Grandy, linebacker Shaka Heyward and safety PJ Jules. All six players signed one-year contracts.

Each guy contributed on offense, defense or special teams during the 2025-26 campaign.

Tinsley quickly became a fan favorite in the preseason and made a few big plays, finishing the 2025 season with eight catches for 116 yards and two touchdowns.

The Bengals also signed 13 players to reserve/future contracts: LB Liam Anderson, C Jacob Bayer, RB Gary Brightwell, QB Sean Clifford, OT Andrew Coker, DT Howard Cross III, OT Javon Foster, WR Xavier Johnson, CB Jalen Kimber, CB Bralyn Lux, WR Jordan Moore, LB Antwaun Powell-Ryland, and S Russ Yeast.

Foster is an intriguing backup offensive tackle. Cross had a fumble recovery in the season finale against the Browns.

Zac and Duke Returning

The Bengals announced that head coach Zac Taylor and Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin will return in 2026, despite their 6-11 record.

“We know this season has been frustrating and disappointing," Bengals owner Mike Brown said in a statement. "Our focus is on building a team that can consistently compete at the highest level, with the goal of winning championships. After thoughtful consideration, I am confident that Duke Tobin and Zac Taylor are the right leaders to guide us forward. They have proven they can build and lead teams that compete for championships. We trust their plans and expect to return to our desired level of success. “We are taking a hard look at everything we do as we approach this offseason with focused determination to build a championship-caliber roster that wins consistently. We are fully committed to delivering results that match the pride, passion and expectations of this organization and our fans.”

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For more on the Bengals' decision to bring back Taylor and Tobin, watch the video below and

This article first appeared on Cincinnati Bengals on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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