NFL Free Agency 2021: Ranking the top 5 signings so far
5. Cincinnati Bengals sign NCB Mike Hilton (4-year deal)
Sometimes you just look at a contract and wonder how a team pulled it off.
Not only did the Cincinnati Bengals steal Mike Hilton away from their division rival Pittsburgh Steelers, but they did it for only $6 million in total guarantees.
Hilton signed a four-year, $24 million deal with the Bengals and it’s not hyperbole to say the Bengals are bringing in one of the NFL’s top nickel cornerbacks.
Considering the nickel cornerback spot is essentially a starter role in today’s NFL, it’s remarkable that Hilton was not more prioritized than this.
This guy can do it all. check out his career numbers so far (four years) with the Steelers:
- 237 total tackles
- 32 pass breakups
- 7 interceptions
- 9.5 sacks
- 30 (!) tackles for loss
- 23 QB hits
- 3 forced fumbles
- 5 fumble recoveries
Productivity is clearly not an issue with Mike Hilton, and he can be deployed a variety of ways in the secondary.
The Bengals got a good one for way under market value for guys who have comparable production and age.