The Bengals selected Charlie Football in the 4th Round of the 2023 NFL Draft looking to add depth in the short term and a potential starter in the long run. After transferring from Iowa to Purdue, Jones dominated the Big 10 to the tune of 1,361 yards and 12 TDs on 110 receptions.

Charlie Jones was set to battle it out with fellow rookie Andre Iosivas and veterans Trent Taylor and Trent Irwin for snaps behind the Big-3 of Chase, Higgins, and Boyd. With both Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd set for free agency after the season, Jones could parlay a successful rookie season into a starting role in 2024.