Steelers Now
The Miami Dolphins are signing former Pittsburgh Steelers slot cornerback Mike Hilton, according to multiple reports. Hilton reunites with All-Pro free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in Miami.
The Steelers were tabbed as a possible landing spot for Hilton, but he’s heading to South Beach.
In addition to Hilton, the Dolphins also signed free-agent cornerback Jack Jones on Saturday morning. The Dolphins are thin at cornerback after trading All-Pro Jalen Ramsey to the Steelers and losing Artie Burns to a season-ending ACL injury.
Hilton began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent in 2017. He eventually landed on the Steelers, with whom he established himself as one of the best slot corners in the league. In 2021, Hilton signed a four-year, $24 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals.
The 31-year-old proved he still has some gas left in the tank in 2024 while recording 73 tackles, one interception and five passes defensed.
After a successful four-year run in Cincinnati, the Bengals opted not to re-sign him this offseason. Still, Hilton proved he could play at a high level, earning a 75.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus in 2024, ranking 22nd among 222 qualified cornerbacks.
Fitzpatrick has hired Drew Rosenhaus as his new agent, as the All-Pro is seeking a new deal with Miami, according to Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald. Fitzpatrick is out of guaranteed money on his existing deal, which pays him $15.5 million this season.
The Steelers traded Fitzpatrick as part of their blockbuster deal with the Miami Dolphins earlier this month. On Wednesday, jead coach Mike Tomlin explained the team’s reasoning for moving on from Fitzpatrick.
“Very difficult. His experience here and the production that he gave us speaks for itself. But you got to make tough choices,” Tomlin said. “Obviously I’ve been talking glowingly about two top notch players that we acquired in that. But I don’t obviously lessen the impact of a player like Minkah. We’re really excited about the acquisition of two significant players on both sides of the ball, particularly as it pertains to the passing game.”
Fitzpatrick and Hilton will face their former team in Week 15 on Monday Night Football at Acrisure Stadium.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Former Steelers Slot CB Mike Hilton Signs with AFC Team
