After acquiring Dexter Lawrence via a trade, the Cincinnati Bengals could be preparing to move defensive tackle BJ Hill during this upcoming draft. Cincinnati had already signed veteran Jonathan Allen in free agency to beef up the defensive line. Still, with the blockbuster addition of Lawrence, Hill is slowly being phased out of this unit. The Bengals had one of the worst defenses last season, and with the expected loss of Trey Hendrickson, the team had to figure out how to make up for it.
The team also signed defensive end and Super Bowl champion Boye Mafe, so it seems like the Bengals are trying to head in a different direction. Hill still has two years left on his current contract after signing a new deal last year, but who is going to stop them from trading him? Similar to the Hendrickson situation, nobody should expect the Bengals to dish out a massive deal for someone who will be 32-years-old by the time he’s eligible for a new contract.
Bengals Latest Dexter Lawrence Trade Could Signal Sudden BJ Hill Departure in 2026 NFL Draft
Hill reacted on X to the trade, but unfortunately for him, he probably won’t be pleased very soon. Originally selected in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the former NC State product is still somewhat reliable. However, he’s no longer a fit for what Cincinnati is trying to build. Hill isn’t going to garner the best draft capital, but the Bengals should be able to trade him if a team offers at least a third-rounder.
The defensive tackle wouldn’t want to leave, but realistically, he won’t have much of a role in Cincinnati. Hill might be on a new team by September, and here are three teams that could pursue him.
Top Fits
Dallas Cowboys
Speaking of third-round picks, the Dallas Cowboys might have the asking price the Bengals could be looking for. The Cowboys surprisingly traded Osa Odighizuwa to the San Francisco 49ers at a bargain. With Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark in the mix, the team is sticking with both defensive tackles. However, Clark has shown signs of inconsistency during the 2025 season. Hill could freshen up the defensive line, even though they signed Otito Ogbonnia for depth.
Carolina Panthers
With the latest additions of Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips, the Carolina Panthers are building one of the scariest defenses. The team just signed Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown last offseason, with Derrick Brown remaining on the roster. Carolina is stacked, but there is always room for them to raise the ceiling. QB Bryce Young is good, but the Panthers are obviously getting creative to provide him more opportunities to stay near the red zone or at least have excellent field position.
Carolina should get Hill at a cheap draft cost and join the powerful defense that the Panthers are building.
Minnesota Vikings
Meanwhile, the Vikings are hurting at the defensive tackle position. Minnesota’s outlook for the defensive line is one of the worst after losing Jonathan Allen. With Jonathan Greenard expected to be gone, the Vikings should at least address the position by trading for Hill. He won’t electrify the defensive line, but it gives the Vikings breathing time to draft new defensive linemen.
