As they continue to rebuild the defense, two rising stars have been identified as cornerstone pieces that the Bengals want to keep around for years to come.
The 2026 NFL Draft is just under a month away, but the Cincinnati Bengals are still in the process of upgrading their defense through free agency. General manager Duke Tobin has already made three great signings in former Seattle Seahawks defensive end Boye Mafe, former Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook, and former Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.
It’s no secret that the defense has been the problem for the last few years in Cincinnati. Missing the playoffs for three straight years was not in the plans after reaching the Super Bowl, but one can be sure that a star-studded offense led by Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins is not the reason for failure.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase (1) and Tee Higgins (5) and quarterback Joe Burrow (9) | © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesThese three new acquisitions are set to make an immediate impact for a young defense in need of on-field guidance. However, there are more upgrades that need to be made, whether it’s through development or replacement. The draft will solve a part of the problem by including more competition throughout the different position groups, while also finding some immediate production if the Bengals’ front office drafts well.
Two young players who are expected to make a jump next season are DJ Turner and Dax Hill. The 25-year-old cornerbacks saw enough progression in 2025 to receive praise from the Bengals coaching staff, and it seems there may be more incentives for the two coming up.
Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer reported that the Bengals are expected to seek new contracts for the two cornerbacks before the 2026 season begins. Although contract discussions have not begun yet, the franchise has spoken to the two rising stars about their future intentions to have them as premier players for years to come.
This is a significant development, especially considering the Bengals' lackluster history with contract extensions. They just let go of 2024 NFL Sack Leader Trey Hendrickson after a failed extension before last season, and the superstar wide receiver duo of Chase and Higgins had their difficulties in receiving new deals when their time came as well. Tobin already established his intentions for this season by re-signing offensive guard Dalton Risner before free agency began and making two big moves within the first couple of hours in the legal tampering period.
Hill and Turner combined for three interceptions and 29 passes defended last season. The primary problems in 2025 included pass rush and tackling, and both Bafe and Cook should bring plenty of help in those categories. Winning three Super Bowls between the two of them, they should add a completely different mentality and experience than the two corners, despite roughly the same time in the NFL.