Bengals young breakout CB D.J. Turner gets $41 million contract projection

The Cincinnati Bengals are entering an important offseason, one that needs to be focused entirely on reshaping the defense.

After a brutal 2025 season, the 2026 campaign needs to be better, and an improved defense is the most important offseason priority for the Bengals' front office.

While there are holes on the defensive line, one cornerback, 25-year-old D.J. Turner, despite having one more year under contract, should be an extension candidate. Spotrac.com projected an extension, which is a $41 million price tag for the young CB.

Bengals get $41M contract projection on DJ Turner

Turner's projected deal for a future extension right now, according to Spotrac.com, is for $41,944,995 over three years, or $13.9 million per-year.

Cam Taylor-Britt, another Bengals CB, is projected to get a $44 million, three-year deal in free agency. But, of the two, an extension for Turner makes more sense, as the young cornerback broke out in a big way this past season.

Turner had two interceptions and 18 passes defended this season for the Bengals. He had two forced fumbles, 40 tackles, and a passer rating allowed of just 75.6 as well. Turner's 2025 campaign was a great one.

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The 2023 second-round pick is under contract for one more year and will be a free agent after the 2026 season. There's time for the Bengals to work out a deal.

But if they can work something out this offseason and not risk Turner hitting free agency after 2026, then it would be ideal.

He's a great player, and retaining him for the long-term is a no-brainer for the Bengals. Duke Tobin needs to extend Turner, and doing so this offseason could result in a $41 million, three-year deal.

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