The Cincinnati Bengals’ 2025 season didn’t just fall short of expectations - it crashed through the floor. A team that once flirted with contention found itself on the wrong end of some brutal losses, none more painful than a home defeat to an 0-7 Jets squad. The defense, in particular, became a glaring weakness - statistically one of the worst in the Super Bowl era - and a major reason why the Bengals couldn’t find their footing.
But even in a season overshadowed by defensive breakdowns and missed opportunities, one bright spot emerged: DJ Turner.
While the unit around him struggled, Turner quietly turned in one of the most consistent performances on the roster. According to Pro Football Focus, he posted a 73.3 overall grade - the best on the Bengals’ defense - and earned a 78.1 coverage grade, ranking fifth among all NFL cornerbacks with at least 275 coverage snaps. That’s not just solid; that’s elite company.
Even more impressive? Quarterbacks targeting Turner completed just 46.8% of their passes - the fifth-lowest rate among NFL corners. That kind of lockdown ability is rare, especially on a defense that otherwise couldn’t get out of its own way.
Turner’s performance didn’t just stand out - it stood alone. On a unit that struggled across the board, he was the one player who consistently showed up, play after play, week after week. You could argue he was snubbed from a Pro Bowl nod, but if he keeps trending upward, it won’t be long before the league takes notice.
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Turner is heading into the final year of his rookie contract.
And if the Bengals are smart - and they’ve shown flashes of front office savvy in recent years - they won’t wait until next offseason to lock him up. The price tag for a top-tier cornerback only goes up, especially one who’s proven he can thrive even when the rest of the defense is faltering.
For a team desperate to bounce back in 2026, Turner isn’t just a piece of the puzzle - he’s a cornerstone. And if the Bengals want to rebuild their defense into something respectable, it starts with making sure No. 20 stays in stripes for the long haul.