Green Bay, WI – May 4, 2025 – The Green Bay Packers’ passing defense ranked 10th in 2024, allowing 201.7 yards per game, but offseason losses and uncertainties threaten their secondary’s strength. With Jaire Alexander’s potential trade looming—potentially saving $6.2 million in cap space post-June 1—and free agency departures of Eric Stokes, Corey Ballentine, and Robert Rochell, the Packers faced a pressing need at cornerback. To address this, they’ve signed veteran Mike Hilton, a 31-year-old former Pittsburgh Steeler and Cincinnati Bengal, to bolster their slot coverage.
Hilton’s addition targets a glaring weakness. Keisean Nixon, the likely slot cornerback, struggled in 2024, earning a Pro Football Focus (PFF) coverage grade of 52.3, ranking 172nd among 222 NFL cornerbacks. With only Nate Hobbs, Carrington Valentine, seventh-round rookie Micah Robinson, and undrafted free agent Johnathan Baldwin in the secondary, Green Bay needed a proven starter to maintain their defensive edge under coordinator Jeff Hafley.
“Hilton’s toughness fits our system perfectly,” head coach Matt LaFleur told The Green Bay Press-Gazette. “He’s a veteran we’re excited to add.”
Hilton, a Second-team All-SEC honoree at Ole Miss, went undrafted in 2016 but thrived with the Steelers (2016-2020), recording 237 tackles, 32 passes defensed, 9.5 sacks, and seven interceptions in 59 games. In 2021, he signed a four-year, $24 million deal with the Bengals, playing 64 games with 283 tackles, 24 passes defensed, and six interceptions. In 2024, PFF gave him a 68.5 coverage grade (55th) and a league-best 91.7 run-defense grade among cornerbacks.
With $6.8 million in cap space after releasing De’Vondre Campbell, the Packers’ modest draft investment in the secondary (only Robinson) left room for a veteran like Hilton. His signing strengthens Green Bay’s nickel packages against NFC North quarterbacks like Jared Goff and Sam Darnold. Hilton’s experience will also mentor younger cornerbacks, enhancing a defense aiming for a Super Bowl run in 2025.
“Hilton’s a low-risk, high-reward move,” said ESPN’s Rob Demovsky. “He stabilizes the slot for a contender.”
