DJ Turner Explains Why He Reported to Bengals OTAs Amid Contract Talks

Three key players appeared at the Bengals' OTAs earlier this week: Joe Flacco, Ja'Marr Chase and, perhaps most notably, cornerback DJ Turner. Turner, who is entering his fourth season with the Cincinnati Bengals, is a candidate for an extension after having a great season in pass coverage for Cincinnati.

Turner had been away from organized team activities until Monday afternoon, when he showed up wearing No. 0, changing from his usual No. 20. As Bengals play-by-play commentator Dan Hoard reported, Turner is the first player in Bengals history to wear No. 0, which is something Zac Taylor didn't take lightly. Taylor even brought up past players who had requested new numbers, namely Jessie Bates, who wanted No. 3, but Taylor pushed back until Bates' departure from the team.

When asked why it was important to him to be at OTAs despite being in contract negotiations with the Bengals, Turner said he may not be following the most efficient blueprint, but it was important to him to get back to the team, especially given all the new members of the defense. He deferred to his agent when asked specifically about the contract.

"I'm trying to win, that's all there is to it," Turner said.

"DJ has been great. He responds every time I reach out to him," Taylor said. "He's been training elsewhere, so it's great to have him show up here for OTAs. It's a little bit like he never left. He walked into my office yesterday morning, and he's the same guy."

"There's a business side of it that will be ongoing. I love the way that he's handled it, I love the way he's communicated, and I love the way his energy has been. It's been great to get him back."

Turner is next up to sign a long-term contract in Cincinnati, following the extensions of players such as Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins in previous seasons. History says the Bengals should try to ink him to a new deal sooner rather than later, as waiting has never treated the Bengals very well in these situations. They dragged their feet on Chase's contract, then he won the wide receiver Triple Crown for receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. They waited on Higgins' contract, and their superstar quarterback grew frustrated publicly.

The Bengals could likely sign Turner to a multiyear extension worth around $16 million to $18 million per year, well below the top of the market. Getting it done before the season prevents Turner from having an All-Pro-type year and demanding Trent McDuffie- or Sauce Gardner-level money.

However, Turner's decision to return to OTAs may work against him by not putting any pressure on the Bengals' front office to get a deal done, which is something Taylor said he appreciates about Turner. It doesn't seem that Turner is focused on himself, but rather on whatever is best for the team.

If Turner can have a big season with the addition of Brian Cook, the Bengals' defense could make the big jump many believe it can, thereby catapulting Cincinnati into contender status. Players such as Cam Taylor-Britt and Geno Stone, who were much maligned by Bengals fans, once dominated the defensive backfield. Now, the Bengals have two of the trendier young defensive backs in the NFL, who are projected to be more successful in Cincinnati.