Bengals should still bring back free agent Mike Hilton, right?

The Cincinnati Bengals chose the youth movement under new coordinator Al Golden on defense this offseason. 

But does said movement have a limit? Because a notable name like Mike Hilton remains out there in free agency. 

Hilton left the Bengals this offseason to test the open market and, for the most part, it has been all quiet for the 31-year-old veteran. Not totally shocking, given the influx of talent via the draft, but a mild surprise. 

RELATED: Cincinnati Bengals’ 53-man roster projection following 2025 offseason

The Bengals, meanwhile, have been content to lean on the big three trio of Cam Taylor-Britt, Dax Hill and DJ Turner, with second-year corner Josh Newton behind them as a possible Hilton replacement. 

Those Bengals didn’t draft a cornerback or go overboard at the spot in undrafted free agency, either, though, so right now names like Jalen Davis and Lance Robinson remain in the mix for depth roles. 

Granted, the lack of a reunion might be coming from Hilton’s side. Now that things have been quiet, perhaps that changes. 

If Hilton is willing to play a small depth and leadership role as the youth movement continues, he was too critical a piece of the Joe Burrow era rebound to let sit on the free-agent market much longer. 

RELATED: Joe Burrow feelings on Trey Hendrickson contract standoff revealed

This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals should still bring back free agent Mike Hilton, right?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *