DJ Turner and the Bengals remain apart on a long-term contract extension

The Cincinnati Bengals and cornerback DJ Turner II are not close to a long-term contract agreement as the regular season begins. Reporting indicates the deal will likely not be finalized before Week 1, forcing Turner to play out the final season of his rookie contract. Turner established himself as a starter in 2025, leading all NFL cornerbacks with a 27.7% hawk rate while recording 18 pass breakups. With the market for top cornerbacks reaching annual values exceeding $30 million, the team faces significant financial pressure given existing commitments to other core players. The current impasse mirrors previous contract situations for the franchise, raising the possibility of the team utilizing the franchise tag next offseason. The organization must now decide how to address his future while balancing salary cap priorities.

• 9:11 PMYahoo Sports — DJ Turner opens up about contract talks, which may be headed toward familiar territory for the Bengals