The Cincinnati Bengals’ defense wasn’t very good last season.
However, they want to keep one of their young studs there for the long run.
The team just announced that they have exercised their fifth-year option on CB Dax Hill.
He’s now under contract through the 2026 season.
We have exercised the fifth-year option for CB Dax Hill.
📰: https://t.co/gYsArfQ3Q8 pic.twitter.com/zzcaJ71UeM
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) April 30, 2025
Given how beatable and passable the Bengals’ defense was last season, there were no guarantees about this decision.
The Bengals took Hill with the No. 31 pick in 2022.
He’s coming off sustaining a torn ACL in his right knee during the team’s overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5 last season.
Even so, head coach Zac Taylor claimed to be quite excited and confident about his recovery, development, and role with the team going forward, and he’s fully expected to be back to full strength for the start of the upcoming season.
The Bengals initially took him to play at safety, but he moved to cornerback in his third season.
So far, he’s logged two interceptions and 2.5 sacks in 37 appearances (24 starts) for the Bengals.
He’s now slated to make $12.68 million in 2026.
Hopefully, the Bengals’ defense will step up after some questionable performances last season, and Hill will play a big role in that.
They cost their explosive offense a trip to the playoffs, essentially wasting an MVP-caliber year from Joe Burrow and a Triple Crown season from Ja’Marr Chase.
