The Pittsburgh Steelers are bringing back a familiar face to fortify their secondary, reuniting with cornerback Mike Hilton on a two-year deal to step in as the new CB2 following Donte Jackson’s departure to the Los Angeles Chargers. Hilton, who began his NFL journey with Pittsburgh as an undrafted gem, returns home to bolster a defense eyeing a Super Bowl run in 2025.
The Steelers secured Hilton with a two-year, $14 million contract, featuring $8 million in guaranteed money, sources confirmed on Tuesday. The deal, averaging $7 million annually, includes incentives for snaps and interceptions that could push the total to $16 million—a savvy investment for a proven veteran in a thinning free-agent pool. With approximately $10-15 million in cap space left after signing QB Carson Wentz and navigating prior commitments, GM Omar Khan tapped into Pittsburgh’s financial flexibility to welcome Hilton back without needing further restructures, preserving room for additional moves.
Hilton, 31, arrives with a robust resume from his four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals (2021-2024), where he tallied 58 tackles, 2 interceptions, 5 passes defended, and a sack in 2024 alone (per PFF). Across his career, he’s notched 11 interceptions, 47 passes defended, and 9.5 sacks—an rare blend of playmaking for a defensive back—while holding quarterbacks to an 82.5 passer rating against since leaving Pittsburgh. During his initial Steelers stint from 2017 to 2020, Hilton shone as a slot corner, amassing 147 tackles, 3 interceptions, 19 passes defended, and 5.5 sacks over 47 games. His knack for blitzing and disrupting plays made him a fan favorite before he signed with Cincinnati in 2021.
Hilton’s reunion with the Steelers fills the gap left by Jackson with a blend of experience and tenacity that’s pure Pittsburgh DNA. While Jackson thrived in man coverage (5 INTs in 2024) but faltered in run support (PFF tackling grade 55.2), Hilton excels across the board—boasting an elite slot coverage grade (83.4) and a stout run defense mark (78.9). His return alongside Joey Porter Jr. (CB1), Patrick Peterson (backup), and Beanie Bishop Jr. (nickel depth) creates a versatile secondary capable of matching up with AFC North stars like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
