Steelers will need to cut Haden or Nelson to improve CB room

Resigning Mike Hilton

Last on the list, and arguably the best member of the Steelers secondary is Mike Hilton. The former tryout player has become of, if not the best overall slot corners in the league. This isn’t to say he is elite in coverage, he isn’t, but he is a fierce tackler and pass rusher that he is a threat to make a play in a variety of ways. On the year, he already has three sacks and a pick to go along with only allowing a 90.8 quarterback rating when being targeted.

His unique style is what makes him the great player that he is. Despite only being 5’9, he tackles like Vince Williams and blitzes like a linebacker. That overall ability is the main reason that the Steelers should do whatever they can to retain him. While the team has still found ways to win, the defense has struggled since Hilton has been injured. Even if it takes a cut, keeping Hilton has to be a top priority this offseason.

Based on Justin Coleman’s deal in 2019, it seems reasonable that Hilton signed on for a four-year deal at around 38 million (9.5 million per year). Tack on a signing bonus of say 10 million and the Steelers can get his first-year cap hit similar to what Sutton’s would be. Based on the above contract, Hilton would only cost 3.5 million year one, making him beyond affordable despite being one of the most talented players in the secondary. The Steelers need to do whatever they can in order to retain their talented duos at inside cornerback.

While these numbers are all just projections right now, it seems likely that one of the starting corners is cut in order to open up more cap space for the roster. Based on the projected deals above, cutting either Haden or Nelson would free up enough cap to sign both Hilton and Sutton. That said, it doesn’t consider the rest of the roster. Besides the point, expect some shuffling among this secondary as the Steelers make some difficult decisions for this roster moving forward.