It is well documented that the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense has to be improved heading into 2025. They ranked 25th in the NFL on defense, while Trey Hendrickson led the league in sacks. So, although everyone is focused on how the Bengals will improve their defense through the draft and free agency, they are really getting a familiar face back when he returns from injury.
According to Jeremy Fowler, the Bengals activated their fifth-year option on Dax Hill, a former first-round draft pick who is nearing the end of his deal.
It is widely acknowledged that the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense needs to be upgraded heading into 2025. They finished 25th in the NFL on defense, with Trey Hendrickson leading the league in sacks. So, although everyone is focused on how the Bengals will enhance their defense through the draft and free agency, they will also welcome back a familiar face when he returns from injury.
According to Jeremy Fowler, the Bengals have exercised their fifth-year option on Dax Hill, a former first-round draft pick who is nearing the end of his contract.
James Rapien of Sports Illustrated has more on Hill.
“Hill was entering the last year of his rookie deal. He’s set to make $12.6 million on the option,” Rapien says.
“This is interesting because it reveals how the Bengals feel about Hill. He impressed at cornerback last season, and they believe he can be a member of their defensive core going ahead. It’s also a sign that they think he can be an elite outside cornerback in the NFL.
“Hill has 151 tackles (seven for loss) 13 passes defensed, seven quarterback hits, 2.5 sacks and two interceptions in 37 career games.”
Hill was highly regarded coming out of college.
Obviously, NFL organizations were interested in Hill once he graduated from the University of Michigan. Chad Reuter’s draft profile showcases his accomplishments since joining the NFL in 2022.
“Hill was named the Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year his senior campaign at Tulsa’s Booker T. Washington High School,” Reuter reports. “The brother of former Oklahoma State and current NFL running back Justice Hill was Michigan’s defensive rookie of the year in 2019 (36 tackles, three for loss, one interception, and three pass breakups in 13 games, three starts). In 2020, Big Ten coaches voted him honorable mention all-conference after starting all six games (46 tackles, one interception, and four pass breakups). Hill was a first-team all-league pick in 2021, filling up the stat sheet as a 14-game starter (70 tackles, 4.5 for loss, two interceptions, nine pass breakups).”
