During this year’s Bengals training camp, a notable battle unfolded between two former Michigan teammates for the starting cornerback position. Despite Dax Hill’s switch in roles this offseason, he emerged victorious in the competition.
The Bengals made a strategic decision to move Hill from his previous position of safety to cornerback. This change led to a head-to-head contest with DJ Turner, who had a solid rookie season with 12 starts. However, as reported by The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr., it will be Hill who starts the season as Cincinnati’s primary outside cornerback, aligning opposite Cam Taylor-Britt. Turner, who was drafted in the 2023 second round, will serve as the top backup.
Hill, a 2022 first-round draft pick, had experience at cornerback from his college days with the Wolverines, although he primarily played safety and in the slot during his early pro career. The shift to cornerback seems to be a promising move for him, providing a sense of stability on the perimeter for the Bengals.
In his rookie season, Hill started only two games, but he made a significant impact in 2023 by starting all 17 games. Despite recording 110 tackles, his performance in coverage was less impressive, with Pro Football Focus ranking him as the sixth-worst regular safety last season. The Bengals have also restructured their safety group, bringing back Vonn Bell and adding former Raven Geno Stone to the mix.
The secondary under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will feature a blend of seasoned players and younger talent. While Taylor-Britt is entering his third year and Chidobe Awuzie has departed in free agency, Hill’s move to cornerback comes as part of a broader strategy to revamp the defense. Turner, who won’t start, will take on the top backup role, and veteran Mike Hilton will continue to provide leadership in the slot.
In addition to the cornerback situation, there has been speculation about a potential reunion with running back Samaje Perine. The idea of bringing back Perine, who played a key role as a backup and passing-down back for the Bengals, has been a topic of discussion. Perine, currently with the Broncos, is not guaranteed a spot on their 53-man roster. If released, he could become a free agent, and the Bengals might explore trading for him or signing him if he becomes available.
Perine is currently on a $2.83 million salary this season and contributed significantly to the Broncos’ offense last year. However, Denver may opt to keep only three running backs, with Javonte Williams solidifying his position as the starter and other players like Jaleel McLaughlin and rookie Audric Estime potentially making the roster.
With the Bengals trading Joe Mixon to Houston and acquiring Zack Moss as a more budget-friendly replacement, the running back position remains a point of interest. They are also retaining 2023 fifth-round pick Chase Brown and third-stringer Trayveon Williams. The recent injury to fourth-year running back Chris Evans, who suffered a season-ending patellar tendon tear, creates a gap that might prompt the Bengals to seek further improvements.
Despite the additions and adjustments, Dehner suggests that the running back position is where the Bengals are most likely to seek upgrades. As teams finalize their 53-man rosters by the Tuesday deadline, the Bengals are expected to closely monitor the situation and potentially make moves to enhance their roster further.
