Former Pittsburgh Steelers undrafted free agent cornerback Mike Hilton has now played as many seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals as he did in Pittsburgh. Hilton has also played more games for the Bengals.
But that could potentially change. At least Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox suggested it could.
On Thursday, Knox named the Steelers a logical landing spot for Hilton in NFL free agency this offseason.
“The Bengals should be interested in re-signing Hilton, and the Cowboys could consider him as a replacement for departed nickel corner Jourdan Lewis. His best landing spots, however, may be with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Las Vegas Raiders,” wrote Knox.
“Hilton spent his first four seasons in Pittsburgh, and the Steelers appear to be all-in on the 2025 season after signing quarterback Aaron Rodgers. They should be interested in adding corner depth for the upcoming campaign, and Hilton would be an upgrade over second-year slot corner Beanie Bishop Jr.”
Last season, Hilton posted 73 combined tackles, including 12 tackles for loss. He also had five pass defenses, one interception and one quarterback hit.
Hilton registered six interceptions, 36 tackles for loss and two sacks in four seasons with the Bengals. During his first four NFL campaigns, he had seven interceptions, 30 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks in Pittsburgh.
In nine NFL seasons, Hilton has made $28.8 million.
Could Steelers Bring Back CB Mike Hilton?
The Bleacher Report NFL team has been advocating for a Hilton return to Pittsburgh for some time. The BR staff argued on Dec. 2, 2024 that Hilton could fit back with the Steelers in 2025.
“Donte Jackson hasn’t played all that well either, but the Steelers really don’t have an answer on the inside to shut down slot receivers and tight ends,” wrote the BR staff.
“Mike Hilton has always excelled in that role, but they let him walk in the 2021 offseason. Looking back, that was probably a mistake. He’s played the role well for the Bengals and the Steelers should be interested in bringing him back next season.”
As Knox explained, teams have expressed interest in Hilton this offseason. However, no team has signed him.
Hilton began his career as an undrafted free agent in 2016. He signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars following the draft and then spent the first week of the regular season with the New England Patriots.
The Steelers added Hilton to their practice squad in December 2016. He made his regular season debut the following season.
Hilton became a key member of the Steelers defense as a slot cornerback. His blitzing ability made him a natural in Pittsburgh’s defense. In the slot, he posted 10 tackles for loss and four sacks in 2017.
Over four seasons with the Steelers, Hilton started 20 games. In 2021, he signed a four-year, $24 million deal with the Bengals.
Hilton started 36 contests in Cincinnati.
Steelers Slot CB Depth Chart
The Steelers found another undrafted free agent in Beanie Bishop Jr. to play the slot last season. Bishop, though, lost opportunities to veteran cornerback Cameron Sutton during the second half of 2024. Sutton returned from suspension in Week 10 of last season.
However, Sutton isn’t back in Pittsburgh for 2025. Bishop is on the roster, but perhaps Hilton could provide the veteran presence in the slot Sutton did during the final two months of 2024.
According to the Pro Football Focus player grades, Hilton would be a significant upgrade over Bishop. Hilton posted a 75.9 overall PFF grade, including an elite 91.7 run defense grade in 2024.
Bishop submitted a 55.6 overall PFF grade as a rookie last season. The undrafted free agent had below average grades across the board.
Hilton isn’t likely to cost much either, which could make a reunion more possible.
