Nine-Year Veteran Cornerback Signs with the Dolphins

Arguably, the best slot cornerback on the market is on the move. It has been reported by Adam Schefter that the former Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Mike Hilton has signed a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins. Last season, Hilton recorded 73 tackles and one interception. The nine-year veteran was a key part of the Bengals’ Super Bowl run in 2021. He snagged an interception during Cincinnati’s Divisional Round win over the Tennessee Titans. 

Hilton is one of the best slot cornerbacks in football. He can blitz the quarterback in corner blitz packages. During his tenure in Cincinnati, Hilton was primarily used to go after the quarterback on third downs. The slot corner is a solid man-to-man cornerback in the Bengals’ man coverage defense. Hilton is a tough slot cornerback where opposing quarterbacks do not dare go after the third corner. Hilton has excellent pivot feet while playing cornerback. When he looks ready to blitz, he’s elite at positioning his feet back when he’s not blitzing, and he’s playing straight man-to-man. He can play different techniques such as lock and trail and press bail. Playing in a man-to-man scheme in Cincinnati, Hilton would be accustomed to playing in a similar style if he went to a new team. The Bengals find themselves in a log jam, with many key players from their 2021 Super Bowl team to re-sign, yet they may not re-sign most of them, including Hilton.

Hilton has spent his entire career in the AFC North. He spent four seasons in Pittsburgh before heading to the Bengals for another four seasons. The former Bengal was also in New England and Jacksonville as a practice squad player. He has recorded 11.5 sacks, six fumble recoveries, and 13 interceptions for his career. The veteran has recorded at least one interception in every season except his rookie year, when he rode the bench.