The Cincinnati Bengals know cornerback DJ Turner II is on his way to becoming a substantial contract decision next offseason.
Now, Bleacher Report is pointing it out, recently identifying Turner as Cincinnati’s most important player currently scheduled to reach free agency in 2027.
"The Cincinnati Bengals finally decided to invest in their defense this offseason. Assuming their focus on defense wasn't a one-off occurrence, cornerbacks D.J. Turner II and Dax Hill should both be priorities in the 2027 offseason," B/R's Kris Knox wrote.
It comes after Turner produced a breakout 2025 campaign in which the former second-round pick started 16 games and recorded 18 passes defensed, tied for third-most in the NFL. He also intercepted the first two passes of
his career and forced two fumbles.
Per the Bengals’ official website, Turner allowed just 31 receptions on 66 targets and earned a 78.1 PFF coverage grade, seventh among qualifying cornerbacks.
Turner’s future already became a storyline before Week 1.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported earlier this month that there was “virtually no chance” Cincinnati would complete an extension with Turner before the opener, leaving him poised to play out the final season of his rookie contract.
The 25-year-old will, at least, go into that contract year healthy enough to play. Turner practiced on a limited basis Thursday and Friday because of a hamstring issue, but head coach Zac Taylor confirmed he's good to go against Tampa Bay.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals’ DJ Turner II tabbed as ‘most important’ amid 2027 free agency
