After a tough year in 2024, the Dallas Cowboys need to revamp their secondary in 2025. Trevon Diggs’s return from calf, groin and knee injuries will help that process as will DaRon Bland’s return from a stress fracture in his foot. With Matt Eberflus leading the defense, there’s the chance of a rebound next season but they may need reinforcements to do it.
Luckily for the Cowboys, there are a few options in free agency that could solve one of their biggest weaknesses and a report shows a veteran ballhawk that could add depth to the group in 2025.
Cowboys Suggested as Best Fit for Free Agent Cornerback Mike Hilton
ESPN’s Matt Bowen suggested that the Cowboys could be the best fit for veteran cornerback Mike Hilton in free agency. Bowen explains that Jourdan Lewis’s pending free agency is the biggest reason for the connection and he believes that Hilton could be a fit to replace him at the nickel corner position.
“A slot defender who plays with urgency, Hilton had 12 tackles for loss last season,” Bowen wrote. “I like the fit in Dallas under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.”
Hilton is an eight-year veteran who has spent his entire career in the AFC North. After four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, Hilton has shown a knack for takeaways, collecting 13 interceptions during his career.
But while Hilton could help Dallas improve on its 13 interceptions (16th in NFL) and 11% turnover rate (14th) from last season, his biggest value could be his ability to cover the slot. The 30-year-old ranked 17th out of 42 qualifying cornerbacks with 1.08 yards per coverage snap according to Pro Football Focus and he could provide a similar level of play to Lewis, who finished eighth with 0.98 yards per coverage snap.
With Lewis expected to leave Dallas, Hilton could be a cost-effective option and help the Cowboys defense improve in 2025.