Bengals could reunite with Mike Hilton after Dolphins cut
The Cincinnati Bengals may have another free-agent option as NFL cuts heat up ahead of the deadline. On Monday, the Miami Dolphins released cornerback Mike Hilton, who left Cincinnati in free agency this offseason.
With the Bengals’ safety room still unsettled, the door could be open for a reunion. Cincinnati re-signed or kept two starters this year in Geno Stone and Jordan Battle, but the depth behind them has been a concern. Tycen Anderson, Daijahn Anthony and PJ Jules have not yet shown enough to definitively erase safety as a need, leaving room for experience and versatility.
Hilton, now 31, spent the 2021–2024 seasons with the Bengals. Toward the end of his first stint in Cincinnati, he began to see more action at safety as the team shifted its focus toward younger cornerbacks. That experience in the defensive backfield could make him an appealing risk-free addition for a Bengals squad looking for reliable depth and veteran leadership.
It seems plausible that both sides could explore a reunion. Hilton’s versatility—having spent time at corner and safety—combined with his familiarity with the Bengals’ scheme could help the team in multiple packages while the young safety group develops. For Hilton, a familiar system and a potential path to a larger role could be a compelling reasons to return.
What to watch
– How the Bengals evaluate their current safety depth over the next few weeks.
– Whether Hilton’s price and role align with Cincinnati’s plans for roster flexibility and special-teams contribution.
– If the former Bengal could contribute immediately in sub-packages or in a flexible safety/corner hybrid role.
Summary: With the Dolphins releasing Mike Hilton, the Bengals are once again weighing veteran options to bolster a safety room that has room to grow. Hilton’s history with Cincinnati and his dual versatility could make a future reunion a logical and low-risk move as the team builds toward the regular season.
Commentary: A reunite-and-rotate approach could provide immediate depth without long-term commitment, while also preserving development time for the younger safeties on the roster. If Hilton signs, it would signal Cincinnati’s preference for proven defensive backs who can contribute in multiple roles and on special teams.