Mike Hilton remains unsigned deep into the offseason, leaving the Bengals in line for a new starting slot corner. The team appears set to turn to an internal option to take over first-team duties on the inside. 
Hilton was a mainstay in the secondary during his Cincinnati tenure (2021-24), totaling 64 appearances with the team. As the 31-year-old searches for his next team, the Bengals will spend training camp looking to replace his production. The top candidate to do so at this point is Josh Newton, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic writes (subscription required).
Newton joined the Bengals as a fifth-round pick in last year’s draft. Expectations were relatively low as a result, but with the team dealing with several injuries in the secondary he took on a notable role. Newton wound up logging a defensive snap share of 44% while also contributing regularly on special teams. A step further in usage could be in store depending on how training camp plays out.
Over the course of the campaign, Newton posted one interception along with seven pass deflections. The 24-year-old endured his struggles in coverage, though, being charged with an opposing passer rating of 94.7 and four touchdowns allowed as the nearest defender. Middling PFF evaluations from his rookie campaign leave plenty of room for improvement in Year 2.
Cincinnati has the likes of Cam Taylor-Britt and DJ Turner in place as outside corners. Dax Hill – who transitioned from safety to corner last offseason – is also in the fold, and he hopes to recover in full from his ACL tear in time for training camp. When healthy, however, the former first-rounder is unsure of where he will line up in the secondary. Until the unit is at full strength, it will be difficult to glean how new defensive coordinator Al Golden wants to arrange his cornerbacks.
In any case, Dehner notes Newton has drawn strong reviews for his work so far this offseason. The TCU product’s performance in camp will thus be worth watching closely as he vies for a full-time starting gig.