Hilton has played four seasons each with the Bengals and Steelers.
Besides Trey Hendrickson, there is, perhaps, no player more important to the Cincinnati Bengals defense than cornerback Mike Hilton. Both his on-field play and veteran leadership are crucial for a defense that has been in transition the minute Jessie Bates III left in free agency two years ago.
So when something gets mentioned about Mike Hilton going back to Pittsburgh, where he played the first four seasons of his career from 2017-2020, Bengals fans should take notice.
Pro Football Focus’s Mason Cameron had this to say about Hilton and a potential return to the Steelers:
“Hilton may be reaching his age-31 season, but he hasn’t slowed down yet, still producing as one of the NFL’s best slot defenders. The Steelers will need slot help after Cam Sutton‘s departure, and given that Pittsburgh drafted Hilton back in 2017, a reunion may be in the cards.”
Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson are the three most important players when it comes to contract extensions. But Hilton is also important, especially when it comes to the Bengals not letting key players leave to division rivals.
Hilton had 73 tackles, five passes defended and an interception last year for the Bengals, his second straight season with at least 70 tackles. He has 13 interceptions in his career to go along with 56 passes defended and 520 tackles.
In 2024, Hilton’s 75.9 PFF grade ranked 23rd out of 223 cornerbacks in the NFL.
