Miami Dolphins Bolster Secondary with Signings of Mike Hilton and Jack Jones

Miami Dolphins Bolster Secondary with Signings of Mike Hilton and Jack Jones

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins made significant moves to address their depleted cornerback room on Saturday, signing veteran defensive backs Mike Hilton and Jack Jones to one-year deals. The signings come in the wake of multiple injuries in the secondary during training camp, including a season-ending ACL tear for Artie Burns and a leg injury to starting cornerback Kader Kohou (doesn’t appear to be too severe).

These additions signal a proactive approach by the Dolphins to stabilize a unit that has been a focal point of concern heading into the 2025 season.

Mike Hilton: Proven Slot Specialist
Hilton, 31, is a skilled 5-9 nickel corner who made 10 starts for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024. Last season, he recorded 73 tackles, one interception, and five passes defended, allowing a 92.0 passer rating in coverage — solid, but not elite. Over his eight-year NFL career, Hilton has totaled 13 interceptions, 11.5 sacks (something Weaver can capitalize on in schemes), and 520 tackles across 123 games, showcasing his versatility and reliability in multiple defensive systems.

His experience as a slot corner could allow Kader Kohou to shift outside, addressing one of Miami’s biggest needs after the trade of Jalen Ramsey and the release of Kendall Fuller. The Dolphins had been linked to Hilton earlier this offseason due to his veteran presence and ability to handle slot receivers — a valuable fit under defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver’s hybrid scheme, which relies on defensive backs who can handle both zone and man coverage assignments.

Here was my take on Mike Hilton-

Jack Jones: Boundary Depth and Playmaking Ability

Jones, 27, brings starting experience on the outside, having started 16 games for the Las Vegas Raiders last season. He recorded three interceptions, 16 passes defended, and 69 tackles, though he did allow 571 yards and eight touchdowns in coverage. Despite some inconsistencies, his playmaking ability and physical style fit Miami’s aggressive defensive identity.

Jones’ presence provides crucial insurance in case Kohou’s injury lingers or young corners like Cam Smith and Storm Duck fail to seize larger roles.

I view the Jones signing as a positive one, barring he can keep his off the field/locker-room issues under control.

What It Means for Miami
Together, the additions of Hilton and Jones provide the Dolphins with experience, flexibility, and immediate competition in the cornerback room. Hilton shores up the nickel position while Jones adds depth outside, helping mitigate the risk of relying solely on unproven players.

It also wouldn’t surprise me if the Dolphins did bring in another corner, depth and high-end talent is still a need, but let’s see how these young guys develop too.

Though the Dolphins have been linked to other free agents like Rasul Douglas and Asante Samuel Jr., these cost-effective, high-upside signings show general manager Chris Grier’s commitment to keeping the defense competitive while maintaining flexibility.

With training camp underway at the Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens, the Dolphins will hope these moves steady a unit that lacks proven talent — and keep them firmly in the mix in a stacked AFC East.