​Isaiah Foskey signed with the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad in September last season and was later elevated to the 53-man roster in late November. The former Notre Dame defender showed flashes in limited duty. He stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 280 pounds, is 25 years old, played college football at Notre Dame, and hails from Antioch, California. With four seasons of NFL experience, Foskey remains a young and intriguing edge defender for Cincinnati.
If Foskey makes the Bengals’ 53-man roster for the 2026 season, he is projected to earn just over $1.1 million. Following the season, he would become a restricted free agent. Foskey arrived in the NFL as a highly regarded high school recruit, playing in the 2019 All-American Bowl before continuing his career at Notre Dame. During his time with the Fighting Irish, he amassed 122 tackles, 26.5 sacks, and 7 forced fumbles, showcasing the kind of disruptive ability that teams desire from edge rushers.
In the 2023 NFL Draft, Foskey was selected by the New Orleans Saints with the 40th overall pick in the second round. After two seasons with limited production, the Saints waived him in August 2025 during final roster cuts. He then joined the Cincinnati Bengals and appeared in 8 games during the 2025 season, recording 4 total tackles. He did flash at times late in the year, including a notable performance against Arizona.
Looking ahead, the path to securing a spot on Cincinnati’s 53-man roster remains competitive. Foskey will be vying with players like Cedric Johnson for the final defensive line spots, and the Bengals will likely assess the value of keeping him on the active roster versus the practice squad. Even if he doesn’t crack the 53-man roster out of training camp, there is a strong possibility that head coach Al Golden would prefer to retain Foskey on the practice squad to start the season, given the familiarity and strategic fit he provides.
Having played under Al Golden at Notre Dame, Foskey brings a substantial amount of experience to Cincinnati’s defensive scheme. His size, power, and versatility are his calling cards, and these attributes could help him carve out a role on the Bengals’ defensive front. On the field, Foskey’s physical profile makes him a compelling preseason watch as he works to earn a longer-term spot on the roster. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how he develops this offseason and whether he can translate his Notre Dame experience into sustained NFL impact.
Overall, Foskey’s journey with the Bengals continues to be one to monitor. His combination of height, weight, and power, paired with his college pedigree and familiarity with the team’s defensive philosophy, positions him as a potential contributor in 2026. Whether he lands on the 53-man roster or begins the year on the practice squad, Foskey’s development and preseason performance will be key indicators of his future with Cincinnati.