Bengals pick up Dax Hill’s fifth-year option

Hill is now under contract through the 2026 NFL season.

The Cincinnati Bengals will exercise the fifth-year option of Dax Hill, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. That means Hill is set to make $12.7 million in the 2026 season.

The 31st overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, Hill was entering the final year of his rookie contract had his option not been picked up. It’s a risky move by the Bengals to pick up the option, as Hill was a bust at safety through his first two seasons, then became a solid cornerback during the 2024 season before tearing his ACL.

Now, Hill is expected to compete for a starting spot on the boundary for a second straight season, while 2024 fifth-round pick Josh Newton takes over the slot role left vacated by Mike Hilton. Cam Taylor-Britt and DJ Turner will compete with Hill for the two starting boundary corner spots.

If Hill can have a good showing in the 2025 season, then the Bengals may try to sign him to a long-term extension next offseason, though they won’t be forced into it now that his option has been picked up for 2026.