The ink is barely dry on Mike Hilton’s contract, and he’s already forgotten where he came from. The former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback called Bengals’ Jessie Bates, not Minkah Fitzpatrick, the top safety in the NFL.
Hilton told Cincinnati Bengals reporters in a press conference on Monday, “[Bates is] the best safety in the game. He just doesn’t get the respect he deserves.”
Hilton cited study habits and mental acuity as reasons why Bates is the best in the league and noted he makes ‘just as many plays’ as Minkah Fitzpatrick.
The Bengals signed Hilton in free agency to bolster their suffering secondary.
The Pittsburgh Steelers take on Mike Hilton and the Cincinnati Bengals on September 26 at Heinz Field.
Bengals CB Mike Hilton, who came over from Pittsburgh this offseason, said Jessie Bates is the No. 1 safety in the NFL.
"He's the best safety in the game. He just doesn't get the respect he deserves."
Hilton praised Bates' mental approach and play-making ability.
Bates 💰💰💰
— Keith Jenkins (@MrKeithJenkins) August 2, 2021
