The Pittsburgh Steelers made one huge mistake in 2021—a mistake so grand that it has impacted the Steel City for four straight seasons. Now, the team has an opportunity to make things right in 2025.
The blunder in question was allowing slot CB Mike Hilton to leave in free agency—ultimately signing with the Steelers’ AFC North rival, the Cincinnati Bengals.
Since his departure, Pittsburgh has struggled to find a reliable slot corner, turning to CBs Cam Sutton, Arthur Maulet, and Chandon Sullivan—while Hilton thrived with the Bengals.
On a terrible 2024 Bengals defense, Hilton was the lone constant of excellence—and has been since signing with the team in 2021. His dominance against both the run and pass has been a game-changer for Cincinnati.
Hilton is expected to test free agency in 2025, as the Bengals have other major contract situations to address, including superstar WRs Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, as well as 2024 sack leader DE Trey Hendrickson.
Will the Pittsburgh Steelers correct their mistake from 2021 and bring Hilton back home where he belongs in 2025?
