The Cincinnati Bengals know who their starting outside cornerbacks will be in 2026. After DJ Turner II’s breakout season in 2025, he is likely going to follow opponents’ primary receivers. After finding his home after moving around the defensive backfield, Dax Hill will start at the other boundary spot.
A camp battle many fans were excited to watch heading into training camp was slot corner. Newly signed veteran Ja’Sir Taylor is competing, but returning veteran Jaylen Davis has been taking the bulk
of the first-team reps in the slot thus far.
Enter Josh Newton. The fifth-rounder from the 2024 NFL Draft saw significant action his rookie year, but on the boundary and in the slot. Newton figured to be in the mix for the slot corner battle, but it appears to be a two-man race between Taylor and Davis at this point.
It doesn’t get any better for Newton on the perimeter, either. The second team reps have been going to D.J. Ivey and rookie Tacario Davis. Newton seems to be on the outside looking in, and if a recent report is accurate, Newton could be a surprise cut when the team trims the roster to 53 players.
The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. reported that Newton has fallen out of favor with the coaches, something we saw reduce his role in 2025.
“Josh Newton remains in the same doghouse that kept his snaps limited down the stretch last season,” Dehner wrote.
Newton played 525 snaps his rookie year in 2024 and saw that number slashed to just 275 last season. With the infusion of both young and veteran talent to the cornerback room, Newton could be on the outside looking in when camp closes.
Of course, it is very early in camp, and the team hasn’t even played a preseason game yet. There is plenty of time for Newton to turn things around. If other players falter, Newton could have an opportunity to take advantage, but as of now, Newton could be looking for a new home at the end of this month.
