The Cincinnati Bengals aim to drastically improve their pass defense in 2025, but kept most of their starters from last season and failed to address the cornerback position in free agency or the 2025 NFL Draft. As a result, the team is counting on their former draft picks, Cam Taylor-Britt, Dax Hill, Josh Newton, and DJ Turner II, to take the next step. One of the biggest question marks for the Bengals is who will start in the slot, with their veteran currently unsigned.
Cincinnati Bengals star nickel remains unsigned
Mike Hilton is considered one of the best free-agent cornerbacks and the best nickels available heading into Saturday. He spent the last four seasons with Cincinnati, where he provided veteran leadership, held down slot duties, and excelled against the run and in coverage across 64 regular-season games and 36 starts. Hilton recorded 73 tackles, 12 TFLs, one interception, and five pass deflections while allowing 356 passing yards, three touchdowns, and a 92.0 passer rating in 16 games in 2024.
It was only a matter of time before a team would sign him with the first week of training camp in the books.
Cincinnati Bengals lose star nickel to AFC East team
According to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, the Miami Dolphins have signed Mike Hilton to a contract. As a result, the Bengals will soon need to identify his replacement during training camp before the start of the 2025 season. The three leading candidates include DJ Turner II, Josh Newton, and Dax Hill, while fans are saddened to see Hilton leave for the Dolphins.
Sources: The #Dolphins are signing former #Bengals safety Mike Hilton.
Highly respected veteran with 13 career INTs lands in Miami, who also signed CB Jack Jones earlier this morning. pic.twitter.com/sbA9JSYX6i
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) July 26, 2025
Fans react to the news
NOOOOO
— Tyler (@_Its_Legacy_) July 26, 2025
The best of luck @MikeHilton_28 forever fan!
— J Dixon (@jaydix23) July 26, 2025
😔
— Tallyfye (@TheRealTallyfye) July 26, 2025
🥲🥲🥲🥲
— Kelvin Ali (@kelvindrama) July 26, 2025
Sure gonna miss him!
— Missy Wimsatt (@missywimsatt) July 26, 2025
One of the best Bengals free agent signings. Thank you Mike!! Go do your thing! #RuleTheJungle
— Joey Earl (@Joeyearl300) July 26, 2025
Take care of that guy MIA. Terrific player & leader.
— J. Franko (@Jfranko85) July 26, 2025
They got a good one @MikeHilton_28
— Magman (@Savant937) July 26, 2025
Go be great Mike
— Big Unc (@BigUnc1979) July 26, 2025
Hate it.
— JDWHODEY13 (@JDWhoDey13) July 26, 2025
No one like Mike. Thanks for the great memories in cincy! You were a big part that changed the Bengals forever!
— Michael Gustin (@MCG00007) July 26, 2025
Also Read: Miami Dolphins: Add Veteran Cornerback Amid Injuries to the Position, Cincinnati Bengals: Sleeper in Line to Start at Key Starting Spot
