The Pittsburgh Steelers free agents have officially hit the market on Monday. Many of them signed with other teams, but one, in particular, decided to stay in the AFC North and go to a rival team. Mike Hilton signed a four-year, $24 million dollar contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. Yep, you heard it the Steeler's rival. Good for Hilton finally getting paid what he deserves, but really the Bengals? Yikes.
Mike Hilton finally explained why he decided to join the Bengals in free agency. He said he always kept an eye on the Bengals once they drafted Joe Burrow. Hilton also says he likes the way Vonn Bell and thinks Jesse Bates is one of the best in the game of football currently.
Mike Hilton on joining the Bengals: “Being in the AFC North, I’ve kept an eye on them,” Hilton said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “They drafted Joe Burrow last year. They definitely have a franchise quarterback to build around, so I’m excited to play with him. I felt like it was the right fit for me.”
The biggest reason why Hilton joined the Bengals was that he thinks he can help them with their pass-rush. He also feels he fits quite well with their scheme. It seems Hilton feels the Bengals are trending upward and that is one of the main reasons why he joined the organization. Their willingness to spend and bring in talent makes their organization appealing, but until they decide to start winning football games the Bengals will be the Bengals.
Mike Hilton on the Bengals Defense: “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.”