The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing critical decisions in restructuring their defense as the 2025 NFL season approaches, particularly amid the fading rumors surrounding a potential trade for Jalen Ramsey. After a difficult finish to the 2024 season marked by a five-game losing streak, the team’s secondary emerged as a key vulnerability, prompting speculation about changes to their cornerback lineup.
While trade talks for Ramsey have stirred excitement, the Steelers’ primary focus now appears to be shifting toward possibly reuniting with former standout cornerback Mike Hilton to strengthen their defensive backfield.
Struggles and Upgrades in the Steelers’ Secondary
The Steelers’ secondary revealed notable weaknesses by the end of the 2024 campaign. Joey Porter Jr., entering his second year with high expectations, posted a struggling 55.0 PFF grade and ranked 161st among 222 cornerbacks. Beanie Bishop Jr. showed flashes of playmaking ability but was hampered by inconsistent coverage, especially highlighted during a Week 11 loss to the Baltimore Ravens when his coverage grade dropped sharply to 47.6. Meanwhile, Donte Jackson’s performance raised concerns, as he allowed opponents an average of 15.6 yards per reception.
Despite these challenges, the front office has made moves aiming to bolster the secondary. The acquisition of Darius Slay, fresh off a Super Bowl win with the Eagles, is expected to provide veteran leadership and talent. Joey Porter Jr.’s return from a knee injury projects improvement on the outside. Nevertheless, the Steelers remain eager to enhance their slot corner position, an area where veteran experience is highly valued.
Mike Hilton’s Potential Return Sparks Interest
Jalen Ramsey remains a coveted player, but his hefty contract and the Steelers’ reluctance to exchange significant draft capital have cast doubts on a feasible trade. Industry expert Jack Sperry from Steelers Talk suggests the organization may turn its focus to the familiar presence of Mike Hilton should a Ramsey deal fail to materialize.
If they don’t get Jalen Ramsey, I could see them re-unite with Mike Hilton, who was fantastic in his four seasons here in Pittsburgh.
—Jack Sperry, Steelers Talk
Hilton entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent and did not play during his rookie year. However, once integrated into the Steelers’ system under head coach Mike Tomlin, he became one of the premier blitzing slot corners in the league. Throughout four seasons in Pittsburgh, Hilton amassed 237 tackles and recorded 9.5 sacks, showcasing his ability to disrupt offenses effectively.
He was one of the best blitzing slot corners in the league when he was here, He still is, and he’s very physical and a good run defender, a couple of things that are very important to head coach Mike Tomlin.
—Jack Sperry, Steelers Talk
After departing Pittsburgh, Hilton signed a four-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021, appearing in 16 games during the 2024 season, where he recorded 61 tackles, five passes defensed, and one interception. Now a free agent following the conclusion of his contract, Hilton’s availability aligns with Pittsburgh’s need for a proven slot corner.
The Debate Over Jalen Ramsey’s Suitability for Pittsburgh
Jalen Ramsey’s name has dominated offseason trade speculation, fueled by his desire to leave the Miami Dolphins due to dissatisfaction with head coach Mike McDaniel’s regime. While the Steelers have expressed interest in assessing Ramsey’s availability, prominent NFL insiders remain skeptical about a trade. Ian Rapoport, speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, expressed doubt that Ramsey will be moved to Pittsburgh any time soon.
I don’t see Jalen Ramsey getting traded the Steelers now, I wouldn’t be surprised if there was interest from the Steelers. I mean, Omar Khan has been very open-minded about everyone available, it seems. Which I kind of love.
—Ian Rapoport, NFL Network
Financial constraints also complicate a Ramsey acquisition. With Darius Slay already anchoring one outside corner spot and Joey Porter Jr. expected to complement him, Ramsey’s high salary and preference for a full-time outside corner role limit his fit within the Steelers’ defensive structure. Although Ramsey is capable of playing slot corner, the Steelers require a specialist who can consistently excel in that position week in and week out.
Strategic Importance of the Slot Corner Role
Mike Tomlin has consistently emphasized physicality and run defense in his evaluation of defensive backs. The slot corner spot demands unique skills, including agility, tackling ability, and a knack for blitzing, attributes that Hilton embodies. The Steelers’ current cornerback group is well-stacked on the outside, but the inside slot remains a question mark heading into 2025.
Hilton’s return would fill this tactical void by providing a familiar presence who meshes with Tomlin’s defensive philosophy. His proven track record as both a disruptive blitzer and solid run defender aligns with Pittsburgh’s scheme requirements, potentially stabilizing a weak link in the secondary.
Looking Ahead: What the Steelers’ 2025 Defense Might Look Like
As offseason moves unfold, the Steelers appear poised to enhance their defense through a combination of veteran acquisitions and internal development. While the potential signing of Mike Hilton would restore a reliable slot corner, the team’s secondary will benefit from the continued growth of Joey Porter Jr. and the leadership of Darius Slay.
The declining likelihood of a Jalen Ramsey trade signals a pivot in Pittsburgh’s defensive strategy, leaning more heavily on familiar faces and budget-conscious decisions. How the team finalizes its roster in the coming weeks will be crucial to bolstering a defense that was often porous down the stretch of 2024.
Ultimately, Pittsburgh’s approach reflects a blend of measured risk and practical roster management, seeking to salvage a defense that showed both potential and frailty. If the signing of Hilton materializes, it will serve as a statement that the Steelers value proven continuity and depth as they prepare for the challenges of the 2025 season.