The Bengals exercised their fifth-year option on cornerback Dax Hill’s contract on Wednesday in a move that was a strong sign of their belief in Hill’s talent and a show of confidence in his ability to return from a torn ACL.
Hill was playing well before being injured in Week Five last season, but exercising the option guarantees him $12.682 million for the 2026 season and that requires a leap of faith that Hill will make it all the way back. The Bengals made that leap and Hill said on Wednesday that he’s happy to show that he “can adjust” to a bump in the road and continue to perform “to the best of my ability.