This year’s Bengals training camp pitted two former Michigan teammates against each other for a starting job. Despite Dax Hill changing positions this offseason, he won the matchup.
The Bengals moved Hill from safety to cornerback, and a competition with DJ Turner formed. Although Turner started 12 games as a rookie, The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. notes it will be Hill who opens the season as Cincinnati’s starting outside corner opposite Cam Taylor-Britt (subscription required).
Moved to corner to start the offseason program, Hill fared well at a position he also saw time at while with the Wolverines. The 2022 first-round pick and Turner, a 2023 second-rounder, each saw time in Jim Harbaugh‘s secondaries from 2019-21. Hill has been moved around at the pro level as well, playing both safety and in the slot. He appears to have found a home — for the time being, at least — on the perimeter.
After starting just two games as a rookie, the former No. 31 overall pick worked as a 17-game starter in 2023. This produced 110 tackles but poor coverage metrics; Pro Football Focus rated Hill as the sixth-worst safety regular last season. The Bengals also changed up their safety equation this offseason, bringing back Vonn Bell and signing ex-Raven Geno Stone.
Lou Anarumo‘s secondary will feature experience on the backend and youth on the boundary, with Taylor-Britt only going into his third season. Chidobe Awuzie left in free agency, but rather than Turner stepping in, a somewhat unexpected conclusion took shape. Turner will step into the team’s top backup role. Mike Hilton remains on the roster as a veteran presence, supplying considerable seasoning in the slot.
Additionally, Dehner continues to name Samaje Perine as a reunion candidate. The prospect of the Bengals bringing back their former backup/passing-down back surfaced this offseason, and Perine is not a lock to make the Broncos’ 53-man roster. Perine would pass straight to free agency if released, as a vested veteran, but the Bengals could also ensure they end up with the ex-Joe Mixon backup by trading for him.
Perine is tied to a $2.83MM salary this season, and he played a key role as a Russell Wilson outlet option during the Broncos’ five-game win streak last year. But Denver may end up keeping only three backs. Javonte Williams, who may well have been battling Perine for a roster spot, has solidified himself as Denver’s starter. The team has shifty rotational piece Jaleel McLaughlin and fifth-round rookie Audric Estime in line to make the initial 53 as well.
Cincy traded Mixon to Houston for a seventh-round pick and added Zack Moss as a lower-cost replacement. The team will carry 2023 fifth-rounder Chase Brown, with Trayveon Williams still in place as a third-stringer. The Bengals, however, lost fourth-year RB Chris Evans to a season-ending patellar tendon tear recently. Brown should be expected to start over Moss, per Dehner, despite the team giving the recent Colts spot starter a two-year, $8MM deal.
Even if Perine does not make it back to Ohio, Dehner names running back as the position the Bengals will most likely try to upgrade in the coming days. Teams have until 3pm CT Tuesday to set their initial 53-man rosters.
Shouldn’t have traded Mixon.
Joe is the gold standard of ball security fumbling on average just once every 309 touches. Why would you trade away that kind of advantage? Moss’s number is 186 so he isn’t bad by any means. I’d be starting Zack over Chase Brown who is still something of an unknown commodity as far as ball security goes.
I have nothing but respect for Mix, he was an excellent back for the Bengals but I think his trade was the best scenario for all parties involved. I think the RB room is decent to good with Moss/Brown interchangeable as 1-2, it’s definitely quicker not necessarily faster if that makes sense. Mix is not as quick in the phone booth as he once was but is still an excellent receiver and his ball security is second to none as crosseyed pointed out. He’ll definitely be an asset in Houston. Nevertheless, bring back Perine as a bona-fide 3rd down blocking punisher and this becomes a very good RB stable, with Williams providing experienced depth.
Mixon’s solid, but when you have bigger fish to fry with your cap space, it makes sense to move on from a 28 year old running back who had over 300 touches last year. The cliff could come any time.
Kareem Hunt maybe?
He’s a native of Ohio but do you really want a guy who has only managed to start 11 games over the past 5 seasons?
It’s not my team so I couldn’t care less. lol I couldn’t think of any other free agent RB right now