Third player that should not return
Mike Hilton has been a terrific story for the Steelers going from being an undrafted free agent to a very unique peace on this defense. He has one major flaw that will make his pricetag one the Steelers won’t swallow. He has been a liability in pass coverage. The much cheaper option for his slot is a significantly better coverage corner named Cam Sutton. Both of these cornerbacks are set to hit free agency in 2021. Yet, the Steelers will take Sutton and his abilities in coverage, at a cheaper cost, than Mike Hilton and his ability to rush the quarterback.
It isn’t necessarily an easy decision. Hilton tends to find himself in the middle of a big play at least once a game. There are times where Hilton and Sutton both look like the best cornerback on the roster. Haden and Nelson are both good, yet teams have tested both of these young corners and have not seen great results. The Steelers surely will not be able to afford both of them, and Justin Layne continues to be such a great special teamer that the Steelers will look towards him to take some snaps in 2021. There just isn’t enough room on the roster or in the salary cap for Hilton to remain a Steeler in 2021.