The Pittsburgh Steelers have a golden opportunity to fix one of their biggest mistakes by reuniting with Mike Hilton in 2025. Ever since letting Hilton walk in free agency, the Steelers have struggled to find a reliable nickelback, cycling through multiple replacements with little success.
Keith Srakocic / Associated Press
Former Steelers CB Mike Hilton getting ready before a play.
Hilton, meanwhile, has thrived with the Cincinnati Bengals, proving his value as one of the league’s top slot cornerbacks. With his contract set to expire after the 2024 season, Pro Football Focus analyst Mason Cameron has named Hilton as a potential target for Pittsburgh in free agency.
The Steelers have felt the impact of Hilton’s departure more than they likely expected. His ability to blitz, play physical coverage, and make clutch plays was a key asset to their defense, and no one they’ve brought in since has been able to replicate his production. The decision to let him walk in 2021 has been heavily criticized by fans and analysts alike, especially as Hilton helped the Bengals reach a Super Bowl. The Steelers attempted to solve their nickelback woes by bringing back Cam Sutton in 2024, but after an eight-game suspension and an underwhelming season, that experiment has come to an end.
The Steelers are now back in the market for a true nickelback, and Hilton is the perfect candidate. His familiarity with the Steelers’ system, leadership qualities, and ability to excel in Mike Tomlin’s defense make him an ideal fit. If Pittsburgh wants to solidify its secondary and bring back a fan favorite, making a strong push for Hilton in 2025 should be at the top of their offseason priorities.
"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," Cameron said. "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."
PFF gave Hilton a 75.9 overall grade for his performance in the 2024 season, ranking him as the 23rd-best cornerback in the league. For comparison, the Steelers' two cornerbacks who saw significant action in 2024, Donte Jackson and Sutton, received some of the worst grades among all corners. Bringing Hilton back would be a massive upgrade and an exciting addition to a secondary in desperate need of reinforcements.
Charles LeClaire / USA Today
Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. hypes up the home crowd in Pittsburgh.
Injuries clearly hampered Jackson’s performance in 2024, as he was playing at a higher level before they started piling up. It seemed like every game down the stretch, he was dealing with a new setback. Still, when healthy, Jackson has the potential to bounce back and contribute to the secondary. Joey Porter Jr. is expected to take another leap and solidify the outside, while Beanie Bishop Jr. is also poised to improve in his second season.
Adding Hilton to this group would provide an immediate boost, bringing leadership, experience, and playmaking ability to the nickelback role. His return would not only strengthen the Steelers’ secondary but also help them compete against the AFC’s top passing attacks. If Pittsburgh wants to make a serious push in 2025, signing Hilton would be a significant step in the right direction.
Steelers Will Have To Do Some Cap Gymnastics In The 2025 Offseason
It remains to be seen how interested the Steelers will be in bringing back Hilton, but with nickelback being a clear need, seeing them labeled as the leading candidate is certainly exciting. With limited cap space and several other positions to address, the Steelers will have to be strategic in their offseason moves.
Cincinnati Bengals
Former Steelers and current Bengals cornerback, Mike Hilton (#21) down on one knee during a snow professional football game.
How the front office approaches free agency will be crucial, and Steelers fans will be watching closely to see if they make a serious push for Hilton. If they can find a way to make the finances work, reuniting with Hilton could be one of the most impactful moves of the offseason.
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