Packers Free Agent Proposal Nets Them 9th Year Veteran

The Green Bay Packers are once again putting themselves forward as contenders, despite having a glaring area of weakness on the roster – cornerback.

The Packers have been known to do this; whether it be at receiver in recent years, or at inside linebacker before that, it seems that Green Bay always has an Achilles Heel left unaddressed prior to the start of the regular season. A little yearly deficiency to bring fans’ expectations down to earth in July and August.

Yet, it does not have to be this way. At this point, there are few viable trade possibilities at cornerback, with the last one having just occurred in the form of Jalen Ramsey being moved to the Pittsburgh Steelers last month.

And in free agency, corner remains a difficult area to address; with only Rasul Douglas, who has shown a decline in production in recent seasons; and Asante Samuel Jr, who is currently recovering from neck surgery that he underwent in April; as realistic options on the perimeter.

But in this free agency proposal, the Packers forego the CB options on the outside and sign ex Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals slot cornerback, Mike Hilton.

Why Would Mike Hilton Be A Great Fit For The Packers?

Hilton has been one of the better and more reliable nickel corners over the course of his eight years in the league – seven of which he played in.

The former undrafted free agent is currently back to being a free agent, and would be an excellent fit in Green Bay.

The Packers could do with some veteran leadership in the cornerback room, now that the team released All-Pro, Jaire Alexander – with the most senior members of the room now being Keisean Nixon and recent offseason acquisition, Nate Hobbs.

Mike Hilton has played in a Super Bowl back in February 2022 against the Los Angeles Rams, and was a favorite of former Steelers head coach and defensive guru, Mike Tomlin.

Where Would Hilton Fit In On The Packers’ Team?

He would not be an immediate plug-and-play starter for Green Bay, given that the Packers will likely be keen to run with their trio of Hobbs, Nixon and slotback/safety, Javon Bullard, who the franchise drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

However, if injury strikes at safety, and Bullard has to move position, Hilton can fill in. And whilst Hilton is not primarily an outside man, he can provide emergency cover on the exterior if need be during points of the season.

The Packers are lacking in depth at all areas of the cornerback position group, with Carrington Valentine the only backup that has started even one game in the pros. Hilton adds that much needed depth and brings some maturity and know-how for a squad that has been the league’s youngest roster for two consecutive years in 2023 and 2024.

A large deal would likely not be necessary, given that the former Ole Miss product remains a free agent and has just turned 31 earlier this offseason.

His last deal was for four years, $24 million that was signed with the Bengals in the 2021 offseason – which in rare fashion he played out fully. Something in the range of a one year, $2 – 3 million deal would likely get Hilton into a Packers uniform, and it could be money very well spent.