While the Bengals are in Indianapolis and on the hunt for new talent to bring to their defense this weekend, they still have some younger veterans on their roster who they value in the coming years. In the pressers held by various Cincinnati figureheads shortly after their arrival for the NFL Combine, Jordan Battle\u2019s name was one that was mentioned often.<\/p>\n
Well, two other secondary players for the Bengals are on the docket for the team to lock down long-term. After playing at a Pro Bowl level last year, DJ Turner is a coveted young star corner, while former first-round pick Dax Hill is also a valuable piece to the unit.<\/p>\n
Plus, while the Bengals hope to extend both Hill and Turner this offseason, they\u2019re the only starting outside cornerbacks on the team. Both played full seasons last year after missing significant time in 2024. Translation: you can never have enough corners, particularly if the big man you want isn\u2019t there where he\u2019s ranked.<\/p>\n
Not only are both Turner and Hill the only starting outside corners on the team, but both are in the final year of their respective deals. Hill is on the fifth-year option that was exercised on his rookie contract, while Turner is on the last year on a four-year rookie deal after being selected in the second round of the 2023 Draft.<\/p>\n
Cincinnati often tries to knock out contract extensions for those it deems core players a year before they become a potential free agent. This trend goes back to many instances in the Marvin Lewis era, wherein guys like Vontaze Burfict, Geno Atkins, Carlos Dunlap, and others received extensions during the spring and summer months.<\/p>\n