Michael Hull

The Bengals signed free agent LB Joe Giles-Harris Wednesday. Here are five things to know about the newest Bengal linebacker.

1. Cincinnati Familiarity

Giles-Harris spent a week during the 2024 season on the Bengals practice squad, signing on Dec. 17. He was then signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars to their active roster on Dec. 24.

2. The Journey

Giles-Harris went undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft. He signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019 and has 30 total tackles in his career in 22 games played. He has spent time with Jacksonville, the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots.

3. The Brotherhood

Giles-Harris played collegiately at Duke University. He served as team captain for the Blue Devils in 2018 and was the recipient of Duke's Carmen Falcone MVP Award in 2017, given to the team's most outstanding player. He was a two-time All-ACC honoree. Giles-Harris joins G Lucas Patrick and LBShaka Heywardas former Blue Devils in Cincinnati, and Heyward and Giles-Harris overlapped at Duke in 2018.

4. Athletic Genes

Giles-Harris isn't the only impressive athlete in the family. Joe's younger brother, J.T., starred on Duke's lacrosse team and earned USILA All-America third team honors in 2018. He is now a three-time all star for the Denver Outlaws in the Premier Lacrosse League. Joe's father and older brother both played college football as well.

5. High School Honors

Giles-Harris was a three-sport athlete at St. Joseph Regional High School in New Jersey, lettering in lacrosse and basketball as well as football. He helped lead the Green Knights to two state championships, blocking two punts in the 2013 state championship game against Pope John XXIII Regional High School as his team cruised to a 62-14 victory.