NFL teams like the Cincinnati Bengals have until this Thursday to either exercise or decline the fully guaranteed 5th-year options of the 1st round picks from the 2022 NFL Draft class for the 2026 season. 5th-year options are determined based on their position and the four unique tiers, which include basic, playtime, one Pro Bowl, and multiple Pro Bowl selections. Over The Cap goes through each of the four tiers in further detail.
The Bengals must make a decision on their versatile defensive back.
The Cincinnati Bengals DB is categorized under Tier 1
Since Dax Hill has not met the playing time threshold of over 50% of snaps in each of his first three seasons, and he did not make a Pro Bowl selection, his 5th-year option is categorized under Tier 1. Since he converted from safety to cornerback, his basic tier is worth $12.682 million, equivalent to the 3rd to 25th highest salaries at his position over the past five seasons.
Hill has been a versatile contributor to the Bengals’ defense, playing three separate positions, including in the slot, at safety, and on the outside. He converted from safety to outside cornerback in 2024 before an ACL injury sustained in Week 5 prematurely ended his season. The former 1st rounder recorded 25 tackles and two pass deflections and allowed a 65.0% completion percentage, 125 passing yards, one touchdown, and a 99.0 passer rating in 2024.
Also Read: 5th-Year Option Predictions for the 2022 NFL Draft Class: Picks 25-31
Cincinnati Bengals make $12 million decision on versatile starter
According to Jeremy Fowler, the Bengals have exercised Dax Hill’s 5th-year option. As a result, Hill will earn $12.682 million, fully guaranteed, in 2026. Unless a deal is completed before then, he will be an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
This locks Dax Hill, a multi-year starter before a Week 5 ACL tear, into a projected $12.7M for 2026.
The Bengals have made clear recently they don’t want to develop key players only for them to leave in free agency. https://t.co/z5PRFQ8Fbn pic.twitter.com/uCZWRP2yUf
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 29, 2025
Fans react to the news
So happy for Dax, he’s gonna take it to the next level this SZN📈
— Chaston Scott (@CinCity808) April 29, 2025
@KelseyLConway there we go
— Jeremy 👽 (@JeremyDeal83) April 29, 2025
im honestly so happy about this
— 🎶 tell ‘em joe g did it 🎶 (@JoetotheG27) April 29, 2025
Make or break year for him.
— k23h73 (@k23h73) April 29, 2025
He played amazing for us at corner
— Joe (@itzjoe100) April 29, 2025
W. Best yet to come
— noah (@noah_p42) April 29, 2025
Interesting, but good for him. He was put in a bad position the first 2yrs
— Skill Hunter (@SeanSTX) April 29, 2025
