There have been a couple of really disappointing moves this offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The surprise release of linebacker Vince Williams is right at the top. But the other might be when cornerback Mike Hilton chose division rival Cincinnati Bengals as his new team.
Hilton talked about the decision to sign with Cincinnati and cited the scheme fit as well as the influx of young talent in the secondary as reasons for the move.
I feel like having those guys over the top of me and just signing (Chidobe) Awuzie and getting Trae Waynes on the outside, I feel like this secondary is really beginning to come together. We’re young guys. Once we get on that same wavelength, I feel like we can be dangerous.
Of all the losses the Steelers are going to weather this offseason, Hilton might be the one the media talks about the least but the team feels the most. It’s going to be a huge challenge to find a player to match what Hilton brought with his energy, effort and versatility.
Hilton spent his first four seasons in the NFL with the Steelers. Hilton went undrafted but Pittsburgh took a chance on him and it really paid off for both sides. The contract Hilton signed with the Bengals is worth $24 million over four years.
