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Mike Hilton is set to officially become an unrestricted free agent on March 17 at 4 p.m. EST. and he should get a heft pay raise along with plenty of suitors.
According to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, second-tier players at the cornerback position should get good money on the open market.
Garafalo mentions Ronald Darby, Mike Hilton and Michael Davis as second-tier cornerbacks that could make 7, 8, or $9 million per season.
According to Spotrac, Hilton's market value is at $7.8 million per year on a three-year deal worth $23.5 million.
Per Overthecap.com, Hilton has career earnings worth around $5 million in his five years in the league, so he'll be getting a well-deserved pay raise. He has been one of the top slot cornerbacks in the league since he broke out in 2017.
Hilton's agent is Drew Rosenhaus, so it wouldn't be surprising if Hilton got more than $7.8 million per year annually. That's why it's hard to see Hilton re-signing with the Steelers, who are cash-strapped with currently only around $5 million in salary-cap space. They should be able to re-sign Cam Sutton, however, who shouldn't command as much money as Hilton on the open market. It would be a big blow if they lose both Hilton and Sutton in free agency.
The 49ers, Bears, and Eagles have been some of the teams linked to Hilton in free agency. He should have plenty of teams interested in him this week.
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