The Buffalo Bills could be poised to make the rival Miami Dolphins pay for a questionable player personnel decision.
The Bills are being urged to sign veteran Mike Hilton, who was released by the Dolphins on Monday.
Buffalo could use an upgrade in its defensive backfield, and signing Hilton could be seen as a trade between the Dolphins and Bills. Miami signed ex-Bills cornerback Rasul Douglas on Tuesday.
Hilton has played 123 games with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals and has 520 tackles, 66 tackles for loss, 13 interceptions, six fumble recoveries and one touchdown.
Why Should The Bills Sign Mike Hilton?
On paper, Buffalo adding a cornerback doesn’t make much sense, even with Tre’Davious White’s recent injury. The Bills spent a first-round pick on Maxwell Hairston and also signed Dane Jackson, as well as the reunion with White, to replace Douglas and bolster a pass defense that ranked 24th in passing-yards against per game (226.1).
Plus, Hilton’s 2024 numbers don’t jump off the page, since he only had one interception and five pass breakups. Yet, Michael Haney of Buffalo Down spelled out why signing Hilton would make sense for the Bills secondary.
“Hilton isnât the presence he once was. In 2024, he posted a career-low in pass break-ups and allowed his worst ever passer rating,” Haney wrote. “But he still has something to contribute to an NFL defense. The 31-year-old plays primarily in the slot, where heâs still able to stick with receivers and help out against the run.”
To that point, Hilton is an elite run-game defender. He ranked first among 222 qualifying cornerbacks by Pro-Football Focus with a 91.7 run-game grade and held his own in the passing game too by ranking 55th (68.4 grade). Hilton earned an overall grade of 75.8, which was 24th-best a season ago.
The Bills ranked 12th in the NFL in rushing-yards against per game (115.5).
So as Haney spelled out, Hilton could give the Bills some additional depth as a veteran defensive back they could count on, especially as a slot corner.
“The Bills could benefit in a big way from Hiltonâs services,” Haney wrote. “Taron Johnson is currently set to start at nickelback. Johnson is a capable starter, but Brandon Codrington is listed as his backup. Codrington is primarily a return man, and he barely played on defense last season.
“Jackson could play slot cornerback in a pinch, but he struggled heavily in coverage last season,” If they can get him, Hilton would be a big upgrade to the Bills’ defense.”
Who Else Could Sign Mike Hilton?
The Bills aren’t exactly alone in terms of a fit for Hilton, since he has already been linked to a reunion with the Bengals.
So if the Bills want to add an elite run-defending defensive back for minimal money, they will need to act quickly.
“Theyâll have to move fast to make it happen,” Haney wrote. “Starting-caliber defenders donât hit the open market often, especially at this time of year. Several other teams will certainly pursue a deal with Hilton. Hopefully, Brandon Beane is already picking up the phone.”
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