The Cincinnati Bengals have endured a little bit of everything in 2025. Injuries to stars, ridiculous one-possession losses and a myriad of other issues have all led to a 3-8 season.
However, one constant for the Bengals (and oddly enough on a struggling defense) has been third-year cornerback, DJ Turner II. The former second-round pick from 2023 has started to give hopes of him becoming a shutdown corner in that all-important third season.
Turner, AKA JuanDrago, has held up against stiff competition this season and is looking like a cornerstone piece for the team as they are unfortunately looking to reload for the 2026 season. While he doesn’t have gaudy interception numbers thus far (two in 2025), he has been a problem for opposing quarterbacks and wide receivers.
He’s gone up against DK Metcalf twice, Jerry Jeudy, Rome Odunze, Justin Jefferson and many other big names with success. The collective unit for the Bengals just hasn’t supported Turner’s individual efforts.
Unfortunately, the epic defensive collapses and their overall standings in the league rankings aren’t indicative of Turner’s quality season. The Bengals are 28th in passer rating allowed, 32nd in touchdown passes allowed, 30th in passing yards allowed and also dead-last in passes of 20-plus yard completions in 2025.
With offseason questions looming surrounding Trey Hendrickson, Cam Taylor-Britt and others, Turner will likely be an offseason priority for a contract extension. His rookie deal is set to expire after the 2026 season, and his cap hit is a touch under $2 million next year.
In a year filled with frustration, disappointment and poor luck, it’s great to see Turner playing well at a turning point in his career. If the Bengals continue to grow under Al Golden and add other crucial pieces this offseason, Turner could be in the Pro Bowl conversation for years to come.
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