Bengals get $20 million contract update on first-round cornerback

The Cincinnati Bengals had one main goal this offseason: improve the defense. They did just that with a lot of big-money additions.

Dexter Lawrence II was traded for and given a large extension, while Jonathan Allen, Boye Mafe, and Bryan Cook were all signed in free agency. One position group without a significant addition was the cornerback room. However, they have a few solid options.

One of those corners, a former first-rounder from 2022 in Dax Hill, received a massive $20 million contract extension update from ESPN's Ben Baby that will make a new deal a bit tricky.

Bengals get $20 million contract update on Dax Hill

"The Bengals know that getting Hill and fellow cornerback DJ Turner II under new deals could be a challenge given the going rate for players at their position," Baby writes. "A soft estimate puts the baseline around $20 million per year."

While Cincinnati might want to have the best defense possible, a contract extension for Hill and Turner looks to be very tricky with how much good corners are going for right now.

While Hill might not be of the same caliber as the top options around the league, he's good enough that he's bound to receive a solid deal, whether it's an extension from the Bengals or a new club in free agency.

The 25-year-old cornerback has been a very versatile option for the Cincinnati defense during his career, and he has also been productive during his Bengals stint.

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He has three interceptions, 24 passes defended, 2.5 sacks, and 239 tackles with some improving coverage marks, getting down to an 86.9 passer rating allowed after his previous low being a 94.2 in 2023.

The Bengals need to figure out what to do in their CB room soon, as both Hill and Turner will need new deals, and realistically, the Bengals can only keep one around long-term.

A $20 million projection from ESPN for Hill is a massive deal for the 2022 first-rounder, and it might be a little hard to justify such a price tag right now.

After Turner's breakout season in 2025, with two interceptions and a 75.6 passer rating allowed, he might be the favorite to earn a long-term deal if he can prove that wasn't a fluke.

Cincinnati might use the 2026 season to get a look at both Hill and Turner before deciding on who to bring back. But, for now, an extension doesn't look likely, especially with such a massive $20 million projection.

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