Cincinnati Bengals free agent Mike Hilton should receive plenty of interest this upcoming offseason as many should expect him to leave the team. According to Pro Football Focus, the Bengals will likely part ways with the cornerback after having a struggling 2024 campaign. Originally selected as an undrafted rookie in 2016, the veteran spent the first two seasons with the Jaguars and Patriots on the practice squad before earning a spot on a starting squad with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hilton emerged as the Steelers’ starting Nickleback in 2017 where he put up some impressive numbers, recording 64 combined tackles, six pass deflections, four sacks and two interceptions in 16 games.
Despite making an impact in his last year with the Steelers, Hilton moved on to sign a four-year, $24 million contract with Cincinnati. He held the secondary unit together in their Super Bowl adventure but that all came crumbling down in a loss against the Rams. However, Hilton hasn’t been the same elite cornerback in recent memory as his production has been depleting receiving a PFF grade of 59.1 in single coverage. Still, he’s still elusive with a 78.9 coverage grade when there’s no pressure.
Hilton won’t earn a long-term deal but one to prove his worth on the market and these five teams could bring out the best in his versatility again.
PFF: Free Agent Mike Hilton “Should Receive Plenty of Interest” – Could Leave the Bengals
Possible Next Teams
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens need a new cornerback in the slot but the team doesn’t have the financial liberty to sign a top-notch defender. With that, they could wind up releasing veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey since he’s a cap casualty. No one should expect Brandon Stephens to return after a mediocre 2024 campaign. Hilton won’t bring the pass defense back to life but it gives the Ravens a cheap replacement while 2024 first-round Nate Wiggins continues to adjust to full-time duties.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, the Chargers will look dramatically different next season besides the pass-rushing unit. Asante Samuel’s future with the team looks to be bleak while they could sign Kristian Fulton on another one-year deal. The Chargers may have money to burn but they could conserve most of it by signing Hilton to a one-year prove-it contract and offering him another deal if he shows promise. This is the route the Chargers took and it worked out for Fulton so it shouldn’t be surprising if it’s the same with Hilton.
Kansas City Chiefs
Last offseason, there were concerns for the Chiefs’ secondary since trading away their best cornerback L’Jarius Sneed to the Titans. Luckily, Trent McDuffie made great strides the entire 2024 campaign but they could use another cornerback. The Chiefs brought in Steven Nelson as depth relief but they could use a significant upgrade like Hilton. He should get back to his elite self with the Chiefs since he and McDuffie could be an underrated duo in the AFC.
New Orleans Saints
As for the Saints, they need any help at the secondary position. New Orleans doesn’t have any money to spar to even sign a cornerback on a short-term deal, however, they could do that with Hilton. After trading Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo will test the market, Hilton is not on the same level anymore but it gives help for younger talent like Kool-Aid McKinstry.
Pittsburgh Steelers
A return to Pittsburgh makes sense for both sides. Since Donte Jackson will become a free agent, it’s only right for the Steelers to bring back some familiarity in the secondary. Hilton and Joey Porter Jr. should put the team back in business for a successful unit.
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