In a year of embarrassment for the Cincinnati defense, DJ Turner has been a bright spot to look forward to going into 2026.
As 2025 comes to a close, the Cincinnati Bengals will likely be looking forward to the future rather than reflecting on the past. 2025 wasn’t the year Cincinnati was looking to have in terms of success, but that doesn’t mean nothing came from it.
Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins all played some of their best football despite injuries, and they surely should have confidence moving into next season after winning back-to-back games. It should be noted, though, that the Bengals’ New Year's resolution should be to do their best to stay healthy enough to end their playoff drought.
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor
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When asked about who he felt was the Bengals’ most improved player of 2025, Chase gave an answer that some may not have expected.
“DJ Turner, 100%,” said Chase. “I think the thing that caught my eye the most this year about DJ is just him switching his technique from press to off and physical to just feet. I think that’s the biggest thing from the year.”
While Turner may not be one of the more notable on the Bengals depth chart, he is surely having a career year. In his first two seasons, the former No. 60 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft accounted for zero takeaways and 15 passes defended combined. This season, the 5’11 cornerback out of Michigan has two forced fumbles with one recovery, two interceptions, and 18 passes defended through 16 games.
In 2025, the Bengals' defense ranks in the bottom five in the league in the following: opponent points per game (31st), opponent yards per game (32nd), opponent points per play (31st), opponent yards per play (32nd), opponent touchdowns per game (32nd), opponent yards per rush (30th), opponent rush yards per game (32nd), opponent yards per pass (29th), and opponent pass yards per game (28th). The Bengals’ defense this season has been no short of disastrous, so it’s always nice to see a bright spot in a young, rising star.
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback DJ Turner
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Turner remains on his rookie deal through 2026, but will become eligible for extension immediately following the conclusion of the 2025 season. While the Bengals’ front office has lots of work to do as far as reconstructing a lackluster defense, he surely will be receiving a contract extension in due time, as long as both sides can see eye-to-eye. Unfortunately, Cincinnati has become notorious for long and seemingly unnecessary contract holdouts, as seen with Chase, Higgins, rookie first-round pick Shemar Stewart, and superstar defensive end Trey Hendrickson.