Former Bengals starter among ESPN analyst's top five free agents remaining with NFL training camps right around the corner

What is at least slightly surprising to see is Hilton still being available on the free agent market. A quick glance shows us there aren't many better veterans to sign.

Former Bengals CB Mike Hilton among best available free agents

The top of the free agent market is actually crowded in the secondary. ESPN's Matt Bowen included six defensive backs in his top 17 free agents left on the market. Hilton comes in as the third cornerback and fourth overall best player.

A slot corner who plays with a sense of urgency, Hilton had 12 tackles for loss and eight pressures last season. He has a natural feel for playing in space as a coverage defender with the aggressive mentality to tackle and blitz on the edges. In eight seasons, Hilton has 13 interceptions, 11.5 sacks and 34 pass breakups. — ESPN's Matt Bowen

The most likely reason for Hilton being unsigned is his age. He turned 31 right before free agency began, and a cornerback on the other side of 30 doesn't always gravitate significant interest.

Timing is also a factor here. For experienced players like Hilton, it's not entirely necessary for them to be with a team throughout a complete offseason program. Many choose to wait until the middle of training camp or even right before the season to join a club in need of their services. 

Hilton showed he could still play last year despite the chaos surrounding him in the Bengals' defense. He wouldn't be considered one of the best remaining options if he completely fell off during his last year in Cincinnati.

It's only a matter of time before he lands on the third team of his impressive career. Training camps starting up in three weeks could be what spurs Hilton's phone to ring.