NFL teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals, have until this Thursday to decide whether to exercise or decline the fully guaranteed 5th-year options for their first-round picks from the 2022 NFL Draft class, which will apply to the 2026 season. The 5th-year options are determined by the player’s position and are divided into four distinct tiers: basic, playtime, one Pro Bowl appearance, and multiple Pro Bowl selections. Over The Cap has provided an in-depth breakdown of each of these tiers.
The Bengals now face the decision regarding their versatile defensive back.
The member of the Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive backfield falls under Tier 1.
Since he has not played over 50% of the defensive snaps in each of his first three seasons and did not earn a Pro Bowl selection, his 5th-year option is classified in Tier 1. Having transitioned from safety to cornerback, his base-tier amount for the 5th-year option is set at $12.682 million, which corresponds to the 3rd to 25th highest salaries at his position over the last five seasons.
Dax Hill.
Hill has been a versatile asset for the Bengals, filling various roles in the defense, including playing in the slot, at safety, and on the outside. He moved from safety to outside cornerback in 2024 but had his season cut short by an ACL injury in Week 5. That year, Hill recorded 25 tackles, two pass deflections, allowed a 65.0% completion rate, 125 passing yards, one touchdown, and a 99.0 passer rating.
Reports from Jeremy Fowler confirm that the Bengals have exercised Dax Hill’s 5th-year option, meaning Hill will earn $12.682 million in 2026, fully guaranteed. If no contract extension is agreed upon by then, Hill will become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
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