Shaka

Heyward

He was an exclusive rights free agent. Tinsley pushed former third-rounder Jermaine Burton out of Joe Burrow’s circle of trust in the preseason and managed an 8/116/2 seasonal receiving line, with 15 of those targets coming against the Ravens and Patriots as Tee Higgins was out. Tinsley isn’t exactly a fantasy football sleeper, but Burrow’s rapport with him does make him interesting as a contingency plan. The Bengals also signed these 18 other players to ERFA one-year deals or futures contracts: LB Liam Anderson, C Jacob Bayer, HB Gary Brightwell, QB Sean Clifford, OT Andrew Coker, DT Howard Cross, OT Javon Foster, WR Xavier Johnson, CB Jalen Kimber, CB Bralyn Lux, WR Jordan Moore, LB Antwaun Powell-Ryland, S Russ Yeast, DE Isaiah Foskey, LB Joe Giles-Harris, LB Shaka Heyward, TE Cam Grandy, and S PJ Jules.

Heyward (6’3/235) has ideal size and length for a linebacker and utilizes those traits to excel as a wrap-up tackler. His impressive 34-inch arm length allows him to extend for runners other defensive players would be unable to get to, while his 4.53 speed allows him to close quickly on runners within range. Mental lapses in both the running and passing game can lead to him being caught out of position at an above average rate, with his stiff hips hampering his ability to quickly correct course. A four-year defensive starter at Duke, Heyward also contributed frequently on special teams, excelling in both kick and punt coverage. His special teams acumen could earn him a role early in his career, and help him hang around as a defensive backup.