The Biggest Surprises From Cutdown Day for the Bengals

The Biggest Surprises From Cutdown Day for the Bengals

Cam Grandy

Tight end Cam Grandy has made the roster, as the Bengals are carrying five TEs and eight OL. Grandy was a college free agent signing in 2024 and began his career on the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster midway through last season. The Illinois State product was extended for 2025 and plays with some pop and nastiness that’s needed in the rugged AFC North. Grandy will likely serve as the backup to Drew Sample and be used in heavy packages that highlight his powerful blocking.

PJ Jules

PJ Jules story is reminiscent of Grandy and the route he took to make the roster. He’s a physical safety who isn’t afraid to mix it up and tackle at will. Jules was a consensus first-team FCS All-American and first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference pick in 2023 at Southern Illinois University. Spent five seasons (2019-23) with the Salukis, starting 30 of 56 games played, totaling 282 tackles (169 solos), including 22 TFLs and 5.5 sacks, along with 29 PDs, one INT, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

It will be interesting to see how Al Golden employs Jules, as he’s likely to be active on game days as a Swiss Army Knife player who can also be effective as a blitzer off the edge.

Shaka Heyward

Shaka Heyward, out of Duke, claimed the last linebacker spot on the initial 53-man roster, beating out Joe Giles-Harris. Heyward comes from a football family, as his cousins, Cameron and Connor Heyward, both play for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Played in six games for the Bengals down the stretch and also proved to be a valuable commodity on special teams. He will likely help there again this season and could start if needed due to injury. He’s a very instinctual LB that has good size at 6’3″ and almost 240 pounds, and moves well sideline to sideline.

The talent is there when you watch him on tape, and Golden trusts him as another chess piece with game experience to use on a moment’s notice if needed.