As the Cincinnati Bengals prepare to open the 2026 NFL season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over Paycor Stadium. Despite the team's aggressive offseason spending to bolster their defense, three of their most pivotal impending free agents—cornerbacks DJ Turner and Dax Hill, along with running back Chase Brown—remain without contract extensions. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the likelihood of any of these deals getting done before Week 1 is slim, and the reasoning behind the front office's cautious approach reveals a strategic, albeit controversial, plan for the franchise's future.
The Franchise Tag Factor for DJ Turner
DJ Turner, the former Michigan standout and 2023 second-round pick, finally delivered a breakout season in 2025, performing like a top-tier cornerback. Yet, as the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk notes, that was his first full campaign since entering the league. After a promising rookie year and a sophomore season cut short by a shoulder injury, the Bengals have every right to demand consistency before committing elite money. The franchise tag looms as a safety net—a move reminiscent of how the team handled Jessie Bates and Tee Higgins. Should Turner replicate his 2025 form, Cincinnati can tag him next offseason, keeping him in stripes for at least another year while buying time for a long-term negotiation.
Dax Hill's Incomplete Resume
Dax Hill's journey has been anything but linear. After a rocky two-year stint at safety, the former first-round pick transitioned to cornerback, finally finding a home on the boundary in 2025. However, his sample size of quality boundary play remains limited, and his injury history—including a torn ACL in 2024 and a hamstring issue this preseason—raises red flags. With a $12.6 million fifth-year option already on the books, the Bengals are hesitant to offer an extension that would likely need to average more than that annually. As highlighted on Vulius, the team's decision to decline Myles Murphy's fifth-year option, despite his stronger resume, underscores their reluctance to overpay for potential over production.
Chase Brown and the Devalued Running Back Market
Chase Brown, arguably the most productive of the trio with 2,806 scrimmage yards and 22 touchdowns over the past two seasons, faces a different obstacle: the economics of his position. The running back market has cratered, with even elite backs settling for short-term deals. While Brown is undeniably talented, he isn't in the same tier as Saquon Barkley, Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, or Derrick Henry. Moreover, at 26 years old, he's approaching the dreaded age-27 cliff that analytics have shown to be a turning point for running back production. With 642 NFL touches already on his resume and a heavy college workload, the Bengals may view a multi-year extension as a risky investment, especially with their salary cap constraints looming.
A Calculated Gamble or a Missed Opportunity?
Critics might accuse the Bengals of frugality, but as the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk points out, this front office has proven its willingness to spend—just wisely. The offseason splurge on defensive upgrades demonstrates that money isn't the issue; timing and value are. By letting these three play out their contracts, Cincinnati retains flexibility for 2027, whether that means using the franchise tag on Turner, reassessing Hill's long-term fit, or exploring the open market for a cheaper running back option. It's a calculated gamble that could backfire if any of them have career years, driving up their price tags. Yet, in the high-stakes world of NFL roster building, sometimes patience is the boldest move of all.
Looking to represent Tee Higgins? Grab your Tee Higgins jersey or design a personalized Custom NFL Jerseys at Vulius.
