The Cincinnati Bengals approached this offseason with multiple important players on both offense and defense requiring new contracts.

A lot of people anticipated that the squad would lose their prominent wide receiver Tee Higgins because they needed defensive reinforcement more, however, the team opted not to.

give Higgins a significant extension

. As a result, defenders Trey Hendrickson and Germaine Pratt have requested trades, and veteran slot corner Mike Hilton remains unsigned.

The primary factor behind the Bengals’ failure to make the playoffs in 2024 was their defense, which makes it somewhat unexpected to hear that the team seems poised to let go of several skilled defensive players. Notably, Hilton is a consistent starter who probably would not have cost the Bengals much to retain.

Instead, Hilton remains a free agent, and

Matt Bowen of ESPN thinks

the defender could be a great fit in Atlanta with the Falcons.

Regarding Hilton’s potential fit in Atlanta, Bowen offered the following:

A slot corner who plays with a sense of urgency, Hilton would immediately upgrade the Falcons’ nickel package. He has a natural feel for playing in space as a coverage defender, with the aggressive mentality to tackle and blitz on the edges. The fit also works here in Raheem Morris’ zone-heavy defense (61.2% of opponent dropbacks in 2024).

Hilton can match inside or patrol alleys as an overhang defender and blitzer. He has recorded 13 interceptions, 11.5 sacks and 34 pass breakups in eight NFL seasons.

As Bowen pointed out, Hilton has typically played in the slot and might be well-suited for Raheem Morris’ scheme that heavily emphasizes the zone defense.

At present, the Falcons have Dee Alford slated as their nickel cornerback. However, Alford had a tough time during the 2024 season.

with Pro Football Focus giving

The corner has received a 58.2 overall grade. The rookie fourth-round selection, Billy Bowman Jr., might contribute at this position; however, the organization may opt for a seasoned veteran such as Hilton instead.

In 2024, Hilton played in 16 games for the Bengals and collected 73 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, five pass deflections, and one interception.


Pro Football Focus awarded Hilton

a top-tier 91.7 run-defense rating, ranking highest amongst 222 eligible cornerbacks. Additionally, he secured a respectable 68.5 grade in coverage, leading to an aggregate score of 75.9, placing him at number 24 out of all qualifying cornerbacks.

Introducing a player such as Hilton wouldn’t just bolster the pass defense; it would also markedly improve the run defense. Furthermore, Hilton’s presence could provide valuable guidance for Atlanta’s youthful secondary, which includes talented prospects like Bowman, Clark Phillips III, and Cobee Bryant.


Spotrac projects the veteran

To secure an agreement valued at $12.3 million per year, however, as the season approaches, Hilton might be willing to accept a lower amount now.