Departure: Cincinnati could officially announce the departure of their talented defender

The Cincinnati Bengals have encountered difficulties finding standout talent in their recent draft classes, unlike previous seasons. While part of this can be attributed to their draft positions, with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase being top picks in 2020 and 2021, respectively, the overall performance of these recent classes has been underwhelming.

Despite being a first-round pick in 2022, Dax Hill may find it challenging to secure playing time following the acquisitions of safeties Geno Stone and Vonn Bell during the offseason. While Hill showed promise in his debut season, the competition in the safety position poses a hurdle for him to showcase his abilities.

There’s speculation that Hill could transition to cornerback, but with established starters like Cam Taylor-Britt, D.J. Turner, and Mike Hilton on the roster, earning a starting role there would be equally challenging. Moreover, Hill still has two years remaining on his rookie contract, with the option for a fifth year, making it unlikely for Cincinnati to part ways with him without incurring significant financial consequences.

Despite his talent, Hill’s opportunities with the Bengals may be limited due to the crowded defensive backfield. An intra-division trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers could provide a fresh start for his career, given the Steelers’ need for defensive secondary reinforcements beyond Minkah Fitzpatrick.

However, the biggest obstacle to such a trade would be the compensation demanded by Cincinnati. While Hill was a first-round pick, his lack of significant breakthroughs in his first two years may lower his trade value. A third-round selection might be a more realistic expectation, offering the Bengals an opportunity to infuse young talent into their defense, which is aging in some areas. After two seasons without a standout performance, the Bengals might be considering moving on from Hill.