Will the Bengals find a way to keep Hilton?
Mike Hilton is such an underrated player. With all the star players on the Cincinnati Bengals — Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Trey Hendrickson — it’s easy to forget about Mike Hilton and just how good and valuable he has been to the Bengals the last four seasons.
And, oh, by the way, he’s one of the most underrated slot cornerbacks in the NFL.
Hilton’s contract is set to expire in March, and he turns 31 on March 9th. That’s the day before the legal tampering period for NFL Free Agency starts.
“I’ve still got two or three (years) in me,” Hilton told reporters this week. “That’s my honest opinion. I feel like there’s really not anybody who can do what I do. And I feel like that brings a lot of value to some teams.”
The Bengals, though, will have some tough decisions to make this offseason. Burrow has campaigned hard to get both Chase and Higgins signed to long-term extensions this offseason. If the Bengals extend both of their star wide receivers, does that still leave room for them to re-sign Hilton?
“I’ve thought about (my future),” Hilton said. “Obviously, I’ve been around this league for a long time, and I know the nature of the business. I don’t know. I’ve just got to go out there and keep performing. I’m still showing that I’m one of the top guys at my position. I bring a lot of value to this team.
“Whatever happens in the offseason happens.”
There’s no denying what Hilton brings to the Bengals defense as a run defender and playmaker in the secondary. The Bengals defense needs as many playmakers and as much versatility as possible, and Hilton is no doubt a playmaker and a versatile player the Bengals should try to keep if they can.
