Former Steelers CB Mike Hilton remains to be accessible as an unsigned free agent. Ought to they name him?
Mike Hilton made a reputation, and a profession, for himself with the Steelers for 4 years. Whereas he discovered success after leaving for the Bengals, schematically, he match greatest right here. In the meantime, the Steelers are nonetheless making an attempt to emulate that archetype, with out the identical success.
Whereas Hilton didn’t excel in man-to-man protection, he did principally all the things else properly. He may play in zone, he may play the run, he may hit, he may sort out, and he may blitz. And he bought to do a few of these issues extra right here than the Bengals ever allowed him to. And the Steelers have but to seek out anybody who can do this stuff equally properly, since letting Hilton go away in free company.
After 4 years in Cincinnati, although, the Bengals are shifting on from the eighth-year veteran. Because the begin of the brand new league 12 months, Mike Hilton has not but signed with a staff. Arguably, the Steelers are nonetheless at the very least searching for candidates for the slot defender job.
Whereas they noticed flashes from rookie Beanie Bishop Jr. in 2024, in addition they demoted him. The Steelers signed veteran Brandin Echols this offseason, however he isn’t the kind of participant you alter your plans for. Some are excited by rookie faculty free agent Sebastian Castro, however that’s removed from a assure.
Going into his tenth season (he spent his rookie 12 months on apply squads), Mike Hilton is now 31 years outdated. It’s honest to query how a lot he has left within the tank. However contemplating he’s nonetheless accessible, one would think about he could be pretty low-cost to signal. Slot cornerbacks are usually not the priciest gadgets on the shelf, and the Steelers know that. They store there on a regular basis.
The query is would a 31-year-old Mike Hilton 4 years faraway from Pittsburgh be an improve for the 2025 Steelers? Perhaps he doesn’t need to be, if he can function depth. Maybe he may return and performance as a dime defender and even convert to security. They put him again there a pair occasions within the preseason, and he appeared to look the half. Pittsburgh just isn’t above reunions, and groups are beginning to sniff round Hilton with the compensatory window closed.
The Steelers are rebuilding, or reloading, no matter they really feel the necessity to name it, after one other disappointment final season. Although they limped into the playoffs, they as soon as once more embarrassed themselves therein.
Similar to final 12 months, the largest query hanging over the Steelers is the quarterback query. Whereas in the end traded George Pickens, they produce other choices to make. The 2025 NFL Draft class is now behind us, so many of the roster development is full.
However we nonetheless have a protracted offseason forward for Steelers soccer, or soccer in shorts. Sure will-he-or-won’t-he conditions stay in play, which we proceed to observe. Now it’s about evaluating the roster in place and filling holes as we go.
