DJ Turner II had a strong 2025 season, but he is not willing to settle for his success so far. While the numbers were good, the Cincinnati Bengals' cornerback is focused more on what he missed. Turner's fiery speech thus keeps his NFL rivals on high alert.

Turner shared his thoughts earlier this month when he appeared on Ari Meirov’s NFL Spotlight show. The Bengals' cornerback keeps hype and distractions at bay and is focusing on what needs to be taken care of at the moment.

“Honestly, after what happened this year from the Pro Bowl and all pro, I'm just focusing on the receiver in front of me,” Turner said. “Everything that I did good, I’m gonna improve on everything else that I need to improve on, I’m really attack. Last year was literally just me kicking the door open.”

Turner's records in the Bengals? He led the league in pass breakups (18). Even then, he regrets thinking about the chances he did not finish. That hunger keeps Turner awake, who is still on his rookie contract.

He signed a four-year deal worth around $6.1 million, including a signing bonus and guaranteed money, according to Spotrac. In 2026, he is set to earn over $3.6 million, with a cap hit just above $4 million.

That kind of contract puts him in a key spot for the team. The Bengals are counting on him to grow into a bigger role without making major changes at the position.

After all, Cincinnati knows that Turner’s winning attitude is his real superpower.

DJ Turner II's mindset serves as motivation for the Cincinnati Bengals

Turner was picked by the Bengals in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Back then, he had to compete for a spot, fighting against powerful names like Cam Taylor-Britt, Chidobe Awuzie, and Dax Hill. But Turner did not let the fame of others demotivate him. Rather, he started 12 games.

Even then, he had lost his starting role. But he made a promise to Zac Taylor.

“When I got called in there, he wanted to talk to me,” the cornerback recalled on the NFL Spotlight podcast. “He told me we decided to go with somebody else the first week. I said: ‘Okay, bet. I’m going to get it back, and when I get it back, I’m not coming off the field.’”

Turner wasted no time making noise. A game-changing pick against the Cleveland Browns in a 17–16 thriller flipped the script. He again earned a starting role.

Turner’s numbers tell one side of the story, but they also give context to why he is not fully satisfied. His performance is also reflected in the grading. Turner posted a 73.5 PFF grade, the best of his career, and one of the strongest marks on the team.

The fact that Turner is hungry to prove himself again is a big boost for Cincinnati, as the cornerback will leave no stone unturned to break his record and create a new one.

Will DJ Turner II be able to climb higher in 2026? Share your thoughts.

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Written by

Anjali Thakur

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar