Raiders predicted to add $24 million starting cornerback in free agency

The Las Vegas Raiders still have a few glaring needs on the roster after the 2025 NFL Draft, especially at cornerback. The team lost Nate Hobbs to free agency earlier this offseason and also moved on from Jack Jones, and haven't added much to the position outside of signing Eric Stokes.

Las Vegas passed on selecting a defensive back in the draft, but Pro Football Focus' Ryan Smith predicts the Raiders will finally address the need by signing free-agent cornerback Mike Hilton.

"Hilton has been one of the best slot defenders in the NFL over the past decade. He had his struggles in 2024 but ended the year on a high note, with four consecutive strong games to close out the season. Hilton turned 31 years old in March but has earned PFF coverage grades of 70.0 or higher in six of the past eight seasons and would provide an immediate upgrade for the Raiders," Smith wrote.

As Smith wrote, Hilton didn't have a fantastic 2024 campaign and was a liability at times for the Cincinnati Bengals. However, the 31-year-old has a ton of starting experience and could immediately step in as a starter in the Raiders' secondary.

Hilton has started 23 games over the last two seasons, snagging three interceptions in that span and missing one game. The veteran's 2023 campaign was impressive, as he allowed just a 78.5 passer rating when targeted and didn't surrender a single touchdown.

The Raiders still have a good chunk of cap space remaining, and they should look to sign Hilton to serve as a starter at the nickel position. Spotrac projects the Ole Miss product will land a three-year deal worth $37 million, but that number should be a lot less, given that he is still a free agent in May.

A one or two-year prove-it deal is likely what it will take to acquire Hilton and add him to Patrick Graham's secondary in Las Vegas.

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