The Cincinnati Bengals continue to work towards building their defense for the 2025-26 campaign, but one of their top secondary players has moved elsewhere in the AFC.
After losing Artie Burns to a torn ACL on Saturday, the Miami Dolphins had to bring in extra depth at cornerback, signing Bengals’ free agent Mike Hilton to a one-year contract.
Along with Hilton, Miami added Jack Jones, who’s coming off two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. The Dolphins needed to reinforce the position group while camp is still in full swing.
Hilton Brings Proven Slot Presence
Hilton is no stranger to the spotlight. At 31, the seasoned veteran brings over eight years of consistent NFL experience, his first four beginning with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and then Cincinnati. Last season, he started ten games for the Bengals and racked up 73 tackles, five pass deflections and one interception.
But he also brings a strong football IQ and locker room presence. More importantly, he brings an infectious toughness to the slot — a role that has taken priority in Miami’s secondary.
With projections clouded by injuries at outside corner, Hilton must be ready to handle split responsibilities and provide depth if needed. The Dolphins started training camp in a transition. Jalen Ramsey was traded away on June 30, and Kendall Fuller was cut.
Burns is likely out for the year. And on Saturday, two more injuries hit: Kader Kohou exited with a leg injury after Dolphins’ one-on-ones; and undrafted rookie BJ Adams was carted off the field during team drills.
Miami desperately needed a new look. Hilton’s arrival offers that reliability, and a veteran presence that the Dolphins were missing.
Heartfelt Message To Bengals
After four impactful seasons with the Bengals, Hilton offered a farewell to the city and franchise. Last week, he posted video of Cincinnati on his Instagram story, captioned “It’s been real!.”
Hilton joined the Bengals in 2021, and wasted no time making an impact. He appeared in 64 games with 36 starts, recording six interceptions and 283 total tackles. One of his most memorable performances being in 2021 against the Steelers, coming up with a pick-six against his former team.
Though 2024 brought some adversity — including a Week 4 leg injury against the Carolina Panthers and an uncalled hold on a Bo Nix scramble when the Bengals faced the Denver Broncos in a crucial Week 17 matchup.
As one of the most respected free agents on the market this offseason, Hilton moves on to his third NFL team with the expectation that he can still be a game-changer.
