According to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, the Indianapolis Colts will work out recently released former Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton on Wednesday:
The 31-year-old had been signed by the Miami Dolphins in late July, but was released as part of the team’s
final 53-man roster cuts.
Last season for new Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s then Bengals defense, the veteran cornerback recorded 73 tackles (50 solo), 5 passes defensed, and an interception during 16 games (10 starts). He played under Anarumo for the last four seasons in Cincinnati before joining Miami earlier this offseason.
Per PFF, in 2024, Hilton earned a +75.8 overall grade, including a +91.7 run defense grade.
It’s no secret that the Colts are banged up at cornerback, having lost promising rookie Justin Walley to a season-ending torn ACL and Jaylon Jones returning from a hamstring injury. The team recently signed former All-Pro veteran Xavien Howard a few weeks ago and just traded for ex-Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mekhi Blackmon.
Both JuJu Brents and Samuel Womack III were released as part of the team’s final 53-man roster cuts.
However, the Colts may not be done, especially if they’re giving Hilton an extended look.
At 5’9,” 184 pounds, Hilton could provide Anarumo’s revamped Colts secondary a veteran nickelback with a lot of proven experience (56 career starts) and familiarity with his defensive schemes—and also a primary backup slot corner option to veteran starter Kenny Moore II.
The reunion with Anarumo in Indianapolis potentially makes sense for a number of reasons right now.
