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 LB Shaka Heyward as 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.
View the best photos of new LB Joe Giles-Harris
New England Patriots linebacker Joe Giles-Harris plays against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots linebacker Joe Giles-Harris, middle left, returns an interception against Washington Commanders guard Michael Deiter (60) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
New England Patriots linebacker Joe Giles-Harris (53) reacts after his interception in the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Tennessee Titans Friday, Aug. 25, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Buffalo Bills linebacker Joe Giles-Harris (42) covers a kick during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, in Orchard Park, NY. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Joe Giles-Harris (43) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. Bears won 41-17. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Joe Giles-Harris (43) follows a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) blocks against Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Joe Giles-Harris (43) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Joe Giles-Harris (43) readies at the line of scrimmage in the second quarter during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Minneapolis. The Vikings defeated the Jaguars 27-24. (AP Photo/David Berding)
New England Patriots linebacker Joe Giles-Harris (44) in coverage during an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets defeated the Patriots 24-3. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New England Patriots linebacker Joe Giles-Harris (44) runs after the ball carrier during an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots won 17-3. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
