The Minnesota Vikings are entering a new chapter at quarterback and have made key moves to strengthen their roster in preparation. One potential addition that could fit their needs is Cincinnati Bengals free agent cornerback.
While the Vikings re-signed Byron Murphy, there are still uncertainties surrounding the depth behind him. According to Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon, veteran star is a former undrafted free agent who started his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, could be a great option.
“One of the top slot cornerbacks of the past decade still has plenty to offer with his experience, and a switch to safety could even boost his effectiveness,” Gagnon wrote on April 2. “At 31, he may no longer be in his prime, but given the lack of high demand for cornerbacks in free agency, he’s still waiting for the right fit.”
Despite Murphy’s return, the Vikings are still lacking in talent and depth at cornerback. Adding a veteran presence like Hilton, who is both affordable and versatile, would provide a significant boost to their defense, giving them more options and experience in the secondary.
In 2024, Hilton posted 73 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 5 pass deflections, and 1 interception while with the Bengals. His tackle count was the second-highest of his career, and his tackles for loss tied his personal best.
Mike Hilton Could Fit Vikings’ Aggressive Scheme Under Brian Flores
Hilton could be a smart addition to the Vikings, especially considering his potential fit in defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ system. The Vikings led the NFL in blitz rate in 2024, according to Pro Football Reference, and Hilton is known for his effectiveness as a blitzer.
While his coverage skills have waned in recent years, Hilton’s intelligence, timing, and relentless approach remain as sharp as ever. As noted by The Athletic’s David DeChant, Jourdan Rodrigue, and Vic Tafur in February, “Hilton might still be the top blitzing slot corner in the league, and he was a key contributor during the defense’s five-game win streak to close the season.” Pro Football Focus ranked him first (91.7) against the run, with 38 stops, placing him second among cornerbacks. Hilton also boasted the lowest missed tackle rate (7.5 percent) among those with at least 20 total tackles.
“The type of production Hilton provides will always be valued in the league, despite concerns about his coverage consistency,” wrote The Athletic staff.
Hilton is coming off a four-year, $24 million deal and has earned a total of $28.9 million over his eight-year career. According to Over The Cap, the Vikings currently have $17.1 million in cap space following the first wave of free agency.
Vikings DC High on Super Bowl Champion
The Vikings are set to welcome back Mekhi Blackmon, who was on track to start before suffering an ACL tear prior to the 2024 training camp. Alongside Blackmon, fellow young cornerback Dwight McGlothern will return, joining Murphy in the revamped cornerback group.
However, the Vikings, particularly defensive coordinator Brian Flores, are also excited about their free agent signing, Isaiah Rodgers, who won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles this past season. Rodgers signed a two-year, $11 million contract with the Vikings.
“Isaiah was a guy Flo identified early on, and from what I’ve seen, when he’s got that kind of confidence in a player, he’s usually right,” head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters on April 1. “Whether with us or another team, the players he’s highlighted have consistently shown up. No pressure on Isaiah, but he definitely caught Flo’s attention.” O’Connell went on to say, “Isaiah has the ability to make plays on the ball and do something with it once he has it. Whether he’s involved in the return game will depend on how the rest of the roster shapes up, but I see Isaiah as an every-down, impact player.”
O’Connell also highlighted the Vikings’ young talent and potential draft options.
“Then bring in a guy like Jeff Okudah, whom we’ve faced a few times; he’s big and strong. We see him as a boundary corner in nickel defense—shortening the field, getting physical, and using his hands to disrupt receivers,” O’Connell said.
“Mekhi and Nudie [McGlothern] are coming off strong seasons—Mekhi’s injury and Nudie’s developmental year aside. We feel really good about those five corners. Our roster at that position is pretty crowded right now, so it will be a competitive spring, especially if we can add to it in the draft.”
This could signal a challenge to any hopes of Hilton joining the Vikings before the start of the season.