DJ Turner II speaks about contract situation with Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback DJ Turner II simply isn't thinking letting his contract situation become a distraction after an extension didn't come to fruition during the offseason and training camp. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, the 25-year-old Turner is expected to enter the star

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What is the story about?

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback DJ Turner II simply isn't thinking letting his contract situation become a distraction after an extension didn't come to fruition during the offseason and training camp.

Entering the final year of his rookie contract, the 25-year-old Turner is expected to enter the start of the 2026 regular season next week without an extension, according to a report from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler

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Bengals cornerbacks DJ Turner II (0) and Jalen Davis (35) celebrate after a successful tackle during Bengals Training Camp practice on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.

Talk of an extension for Turner isn't new, and speaking to media members Sept. 3 ahead of several days off, he said it's not a focus for him.

"My mindset is gonna be the same regardless of if I'm the highest paid or if I don't have a contract," Turner said.

Asked what his personal goals were for 2026, Turner said, "get better every week."

Turner

emerged in 2025 as a standout on a Bengals defender that ranked near the bottom of the NFL by many measures. Waiting to secure Turner long-term could end up costing the Bengals if he impresses again in 2026.

Cincinnati is scheduled to open the season Sept. 13 at Paycor Stadium against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: DJ Turner II speaks about contract situation with Bengals