Bengals player sends fans a message after Cincinnati suffers impactful loss in free agency
It’s PJ Jules’ time as the Cincinnati Bengals watch Tycen Anderson leave for the Denver Broncos.
Every one of the Cincinnati Bengals’ free agents who hit the open market has either signed with another team, or is still out there waiting to be signed. Safety Tycen Anderson became Cincinnati’s latest free agent to find a new home Thursday when he agreed to terms with the Denver Broncos.
Anderson only played 65 snaps for the Bengals’ defense in his four years with the club, but his impact on special teams was significant and it will take a capable replacement to compensate for his loss.
Fellow safety PJ Jules sounds ready for the job.
PJ Jules proclaims it’s his time to shine
Not long after Anderson’s deal became news, Jules took to X/Twitter and gave fans a simple, yet clear message.
“I’m here, I’m ready.”
With Anderson out the door, the path for Jules to take his place in the safety room looks as straightforward as can be. Here’s what that means.
What role PJ Jules could be in for this year
Anderson played a total of 850 special teams snaps in the three years he was healthy for Cincinnati, and one of those seasons was cut halfway short due to injury. He averaged 20.7 special teams snaps per game, and averaged 363.5 per year over the last two seasons.
No other player who’s been with the team that long is remotely close to that average. Tight end Drew Sample has a 220.7 average the last three years, but is a completely different athlete and, unlike Anderson, wasn’t a part of every special teams unit sans field goal kick. Cornerback DJ Ivey is more well-versed as a special-teamer and has a 194 average since his rookie season in 2023.
Jules is rightfully the true next-in-line player after Anderson. He made the roster as a second-year player last year and logged 225 special teams snaps in all the same units as Anderson. He even bested Anderson in special teams tackles last year with 13 compared to his elder’s 10.
Cincinnati doesn’t have any openings for defensive playing time at safety with Bryan Cook joining incumbent starter Jordan Battle, which is at least partly why Anderson is on his way to Colorado. Jules won’t be a factor at his defensive position, but in terms of replacing where Anderson was truly valuable, he’s the most logical replacement.
And he’s ready for the job.
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