Dax Hill has a simple request for the Cincinnati Bengals: let him stay put.

For the third straight season, the versatile defensive back finds himself in the middle of a position debate. But this time, he's making it clear where he wants to line up. Speaking at Paycor Stadium on May 5, the former first-round pick didn't mince words about his preference to remain at outside cornerback.

"Staying at one spot, I feel like that's ideal for development and my mental health," Hill said with a knowing smile.

It's been quite a journey for the 2022 first-rounder (No. 31 overall). Since entering the NFL, Hill has suited up at safety, slot cornerback, and outside cornerback—essentially covering every spot in the secondary. He started all 17 games at safety in 2023 before head coach Zac Taylor and then-defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo shifted him to cornerback ahead of the 2024 campaign.

That move seemed to click. Hill opened the 2024 season as an outside corner opposite Cam Taylor-Britt and played well enough to lock down the job. But five games in, an ACL tear sidelined him for the remainder of the year.

When Hill returned for training camp ahead of the 2025 season, the position carousel started spinning again. He bounced between slot and outside corner as the coaching staff searched for the right fit. Hill began the season starting three games in the slot before being moved back outside, where he finished with nine starts.

"It was challenging at first, but now I'm kind of used to it," Hill admitted. "But I feel like now I kind of know what I want and I want to do what's best for the team."

The evidence is clear: Hill's best football comes when he's playing outside cornerback. And with the Bengals expressing interest in keeping him long-term—he's entering the final year of his rookie deal—there's plenty of motivation for both sides to find a permanent home for his talents. For a player who's shown he can thrive when given stability, a consistent role might be just what the Bengals' secondary needs.