The Dallas Cowboys could target one of the top free agents, Mike Hilton, before the 2025 regular season. According to Bleacher Report, the source believes Hilton could be a fit for the Cowboys even though they’ve been able to salvage the secondary unit. To no surprise, Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland are on the hot seat since these two were supposed to be the lockdown starters for the department. However, it didn’t work out in the Cowboys’ favor since the two haven’t been on the same field together since 2023, but were able to play with each other for just one game last year.
Hilton is still one of the league’s best slot cornerbacks, so it’s hard to see that he’s still available, as he has a lot in the tank. It could be that many teams don’t want to take on the risk of having an aging cornerback. Originally selected as an undrafted rookie, the former Ole Miss product couldn’t stay with the Bengals since he didn’t fit the bill anymore. Cincinnati had several superstars on their roster looking for a new contract, so there was no room either way for the Bengals to mortgage their future.
Hilton is a versatile corner, so he should find a new team even if it’s not the Cowboys. They have plenty of depth, especially after drafting Shavon Revel Jr. to give some boost for Diggs and Bland. With that, these three teams could pursue Hilton at the right moment.
REPORT: Cowboys Could Target $24 Million Veteran Mike Hilton – 3 Other Possible Fits?
Potential Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
Even though the Chargers got Donte Jackson this free agency to replace Kristian Fulton, they need another rotating cornerback at least to help this secondary stay afloat. The team signed Benjamin St-Juste, but he’s more of a backup than he is a starter. 2024 draft pick Cam Hart isn’t necessarily ready for full-time duties, so they need the best of the best to compete against fierce competitors in the AFC. Quarterback Justin Herbert can’t carry this team again, so the secondary needs a change that’s already undergoing through this offseason.
Mike Hilton doesn’t need to start to make plays happen for this explosive defense that’s getting better under defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. Jackson doesn’t have the capable backup behind him, so perhaps these two could share the field.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the Saints are in dire need of a cornerback. They traded Marshon Lattimore last year due to salary cap concerns and injuries. The same thing happened to Paulson Adebo this offseason, even though it was through free agency. While the Saints will probably have a terrible offense, it doesn’t mean they should ignore improving the secondary unit. The defense could keep this entire organization intact to win ball games.
The only cornerback with a lot of upside is Kool-Aid McKinstry, but the same can’t be said about Alontae Taylor. Hilton could start alongside McKinstry as a new potential duo.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers don’t need a cornerback, but one for depth purposes. Jaycee Horn and Michael Jackson are the lockdown starters, and Hilton could streamline the unit behind them. Carolina might not make the playoffs this year, but if they add Hilton to their secondary unit, it could be a difference maker.
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