The Cincinnati Bengals need to have a long think about their defensive backfield positions, especially the Cornerbacks. And Dax Hill is stepping up and making it totally clear that's where he wants to play.

After all the recent shifting around, the guy just wants some stability at outside cornerback. That's what prompted Hill, recently, to tell reporters that he really hopes the Bengals keep him locked in on the outside this year. The 25-year-old was super direct about the whole situation, 

"Staying in one spot. I feel like that’s ideal for development and my mental health. […] We’re three weeks into it now, so we’ll wait and see. Like I said, I’d rather be outside."

Now that makes complete sense. The conflict here is that the Bengals have kept continually bouncing him between safety, slot, and outside. But Hill knows his worth, adding,

"But I feel like now I kind of know what I want, and I want to do what's best for the team."

The numbers totally back him up, too. Last season, while adjusting to the outside role, he still managed to rack up exactly 88 tackles, an interception, and 11 passes defended.

Over the last month and a half of 2025, Pro Football Focus ranked Hill with the 3rd highest grade amongst the cornerbacks in the NFL. Those are solid stats that prove he can handle the position only if he isn't being constantly repositioned by the coaching staff.

Who Fits Into The Two CB Spots: New Signings Add Fuel to the Fire

If Dax Hill, DJ Turner, and Cam Taylor-Britt all want to play outside, the Bengals have a serious numbers problem. There are only two perimeter spots on the field. That simply means one of these defenders gets benched or forced inside.

The addition of rookie Tacario Davis by the Bengals shows the direction the team is headed. The 6'4" player was picked in the 3rd round of the draft and is well-built for the outside. Scouting reports from SI.com highlight Davis as a prototypical "outside-only" corner due to his length. This puts massive pressure on Hill and other players to perform well.

Also, then you've got the slot position. The team brought back veteran Jalen Davis as the main guy to fill in that spot. But they've also signed free agent Ja'Sir Taylor to fiercely compete for that nickelback spot. With all these additions, the claim to the CB position is shrinking for Hill.

Should the Bengals let Dax Hill stay as their outside cornerback? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by

Nisarga Aseem Barkule

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi