Bengals Player Profile: Shaka Heyward has gone from practice squad elevation to growing special teams factor
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Shaka Heyward might have to fend off several newcomers to keep his roster spot, but for what he’s brought on special teams, he should feel relatively safe for now.
We’re 51 days away from the Cincinnati Bengals’ preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles. Every single day before that game, we’re going to profile a member of the Bengals’ 90-man roster. Check out previous player profiles here.
Up next in the countdown is a former undrafted long shot who’s becoming established in his role.
Shaka Heyward Player Profile
Age: 26
Year: 3rd
Position: Linebacker
College: Duke
Jersey Number: 50
Shaka Heyward signed as an undrafted free agent with the Bengals following the 2023 NFL Draft. Prior to the NFL, Heyward spent five seasons at Duke from 2018-2022, playing in 51 games (41 starts). He made third-team All-ACC in 2021 and 2022, the latter of which he was voted a team captain. He’s also the cousin of Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro defensive tackle Cameron Heyward and Las Vegas Raiders fullback Connor Heyward.
Cincinnati waived Heyward leading up to his rookie season and retained him on its practice squad. He returned for the 2024 offseason and made the practice squad again, but was called up for his first-career game in Week 11. He was signed to the active roster a few weeks later and appeared in the final five games.
Heyward made the Bengals 53-man roster in 2025, becoming a staple on special teams. He suffered a fibula injury in Week 8 and missed five games before returning for the final four weeks.
Contract details
Heyward signed a one-year, $1,095,000 contract extension with the Bengals at the start of the offseason. His base salary for 2026 is the minimum $1,075,000 for his level of experience. He’s also getting a $20,000 workout bonus. His cash figure and salary cap hit for the year is $1,095,000.
Roster outlook
The Bengals invested in Heyward for nearly two full years and he earned his playing time when it finally came. He’s been impressive on defense the last two preseasons, but his regular season impact is going to be special teams unless major injuries occur at linebacker. Only four other players on the roster had more than his 199 special teams snaps last season.
Depth behind Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight comes down to Oren Burks, Joe Giles-Harris, and Heyward as the top-five from last year. Heyward might have to fend off Liam Anderson, Swayze Bozeman, and maybe one of Eric Gentry or Jack Dingle to keep his spot, but for what he’s brought on special teams, he should feel relatively safe for now.
Roster odds: 60%