Jan. 18, 2026, 10:22 a.m. ET<\/p>\n
If the Cincinnati Bengals<\/a> are going to release a big name this offseason before free agency, it will happen before a specific date.\u00a0<\/p>\n Bengals<\/a> defensive lineman BJ Hill is a really good example. Like others with roster bonuses, he\u2019s due a big bonus on March 15.\u00a0<\/p>\n If the Bengals want to move on, it will likely happen before that date. If that date passes, the veteran presence is likely safe into 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n This is an important topic of discussion around all Bengals who could be cut candidates, but especially Hill.\u00a0<\/p>\n RELATED:Duke Tobin’s anticipated Bengals address underwhelms<\/a><\/p>\n Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!<\/a><\/p>\n An offseason ago, the Bengals signed Hill<\/a> to a three-year, $33 million extension in a move that felt almost a little desperate. Cincinnati still hadn’t recovered from the loss of DJ Reader and names like Kris Jenkins Jr. had yet to emerge. They signed TJ Slaton in free agency to help.\u00a0<\/p>\n Hill still had a\u00a0solid year while battling some injuries, ranking 32nd out of 134<\/a> defensive linemen at PFF. But the fact he\u2019ll be 31 years old in April and the Bengals could save $4.8 million (with $7.3 million total in dead money) are factors that make this a conversation.\u00a0<\/p>\n Perhaps more notable than anything, though, is the idea the Bengals could massively address the interior of the defensive line this offseason, perhaps as early as 10th overall in the draft.\u00a0<\/p>\n It\u2019s hard to say how things swing on that front. But with Hill, there\u2019s an obvious date to circle on the calendar that will reveal all.\u00a0<\/p>\n