Bengals Player Profile: PJ Jules has a mission to back up after succeeding as a long shot
PJ Jules was a great story last year as his hard work and dedication paid off with a roster spot in his second season. He should have an easier time making this year’s roster.
We’re 64 days away from the Cincinnati Bengals’ preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles. Every single player on the Bengals’ 90-man roster will have his own profile by the time that game begins, and Cincinnati starts cutting down its roster. Check out previous player profiles here.
Our next player in the series was a heartwarming story last year, but it’s only the beginning for him.
PJ Jules Player Profile
Age: 25
Year: 2nd
Position: Safety
College: Southern Illinois
Jersey Number: 37
PJ Jules was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Bengals following the 2024 NFL Draft. Cincy waived him during final cuts that year, and signed him to its practice squad where he stayed for the duration of his rookie season. He spent essentially every day in Paycor Stadium the following offseason in hopes to make the 53-man roster, and he accomplished his goal. He appeared in 14 games for the Bengals in 2025 as a critical special teams player, and took six snaps at safety during Week 3’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Prior to his arrival in Cincinnati, Jules, spent five years in college at Southern Illinois. He started 30 of the 56 games he played and was a consensus first-team FCS All-American selection in 2023.
Contract details
Jules signed a minimum deal as an exclusive rights free agent with the Bengals this offseason. His contract is for one-year, $1,005,000. His base salary, cash figure, and salary cap hit for 2026 is the same $1,005,000 amount.
Roster outlook
Jules was a great story last year as his hard work and dedication paid off with a roster spot in his second season. He should have an easier time making this year’s roster as Tycen Anderson is no longer around as the special teams ace in the safety room. Jules let the fans know he’s up next for that role as soon as Anderson signed with the Denver Broncos.
Whether or not Jules does become the true Anderson replacement, he’s positioned as the No. 4 safety behind starters Bryan Cook and Jordan Battle, and veteran free agent signing Kyle Dugger.
Roster odds: 75%