The Dallas Cowboys could be in the market for another corner. The team will likely roll into the 2025 season with Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland as the starting boundary corners, though Diggs is still rehabbing from knee surgery in January. However, Dallas could use an upgrade in the slot corner position, as the inexperienced Israel Mukuamu is currently penciled in to be the starter there.
There aren’t many high-level slot corners on the market, but the best one available is Cincinnati Bengals free-agent Mike Hilton, who Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton believes should be a top target for the Cowboys.
Despite his production as one of the league’s top slot cornerbacks, Mike Hilton remains available. Hilton turned 31 in March. Teams have shown they are hesitant to invest in older slot cornerbacks. However, the eight-year veteran hasn’t shown any decline entering his ninth year.
Hilton struggled a bit in 2024, as he was a liability in coverage at times for the Bengals and allowed a 78.3% completion rate on 60 targets. The veteran also surrendered three touchdowns and snagged just one interception with five passes defended.
Though 2024 wasn’t a great year for Hilton, the Mississippi product can still be a solid starter and would be a nice addition to the Cowboys’ secondary. Hilton would immediately step in as the starting nickel in Matt Eberflus’ defense, and his experience and veteran presence would be valuable for the new-look defense.
Signing Hilton shouldn’t be too expensive. Though Spotrac projects the former Pittsburgh Steeler will land a three-year deal worth $37 million, which is an average annual salary of $12.3 million, his performance in 2024 doesn’t warrant that type of money. A deal worth around $7 million per season is more realistic.
Hilton had a down year last season, but he showed in previous campaigns that he can be a plus starter for a championship contender. Dallas should sign the 31-year-old to a reasonable deal and see what he can do in the nickel spot in 2025.
MORE CINCINNATI BENGALS NEWS
Bengals predicted to sign $49 million guard as upgrade over below-average starters
Bengals-Cardinals trade pitch sends disgruntled $21 million star to Arizona
Shocking Commanders trade proposal adds Bengals $20 million starter to defense
