Bengals Nearing Extension Agreement With CB DJ Turner?

An Instagram post made by Turner’s agent featuring the caption “CB1 calculated” was recently made. Turner himself has also shared the post. It is of course easy to read too much into social media developments when it comes to contract talks, but this latest development certainly implies an agreement on the value of a long-term deal has been reached.

Turner has emerged as a foundational figure on defense for Cincinnati while playing out his rookie contract. The 25-year-old is on the books through 2026, but the Bengals would have a significant vacancy to fill in the event he departed in free agency next spring. Using the franchise tag would only give the team a short-term solution, so it comes as no surprise interest has been shown in a long-term pact this offseason.

Operating as a full-time starter in 2025, Turner enjoyed the most productive season of his career. The Michigan product racked up two interceptions, 18 pass deflections and a pair of forced fumbles. He also enjoyed the strongest campaign of his NFL tenure to date in terms of coverage statistics. A notable raise compared to Turner’s $3.67MM in base salary will be in store in the event an extension is finalized in time for Week 1.

The Bengals have been abnormally aggressive in pursuing needed additions on defense this offseason. Making big-money commitments to homegrown players has also become more commonplace in recent years, with Joe Burrow and many other members of the team’s offensive core receiving long-term deals. Doing the same with Turner would further illustrate the urgency shown so far in 2026 by Cincinnati in aiming to avoid another year out of the postseason.

Of course, the Bengals need to keep in mind the cost of a second Hill contract. As things stand, however, it seems as though Turner could be the first in line to sign an extension. With plenty of time remaining before training camp, further – and more tangible – updates on this front will be worth watching for.