The Dolphins are showing a sudden change of heart amid second free agent signing at cornerback before lunch

Hilton has played exclusively in the AFC North to this stage of his career, first with the Pittsburgh Steelers and, most recently, with the Cincinnati Bengals. He'll play this season as a 31 year old corner, but his presence inside in the nickel does protect him some from the inevitable athletic regression that comes with age at the position. 

What are the Dolphins getting in Hilton? A to Z Sports' Bengals writer John Sheeran offers some valuable insight: 

"Mike Hilton was one of the best free agent signings in Bengals history four years ago. If your defense needs a nickel back to execute a run fit with tenacity and intuition, Hilton is your guy. A superb downhill tackler despite being undersized on the field, Hilton’s best plays in a Bengals uniform always featured him making critical stops at or behind the line of scrimmage. The Bengals allowed him to walk because he’s getting up there in age (he turned 31 in March) and his effectiveness in coverage has declined un recent years because of that. He can still play on early downs against the run and provide leadership to a defensive backfield." 

- A to Z Sports' John Sheeran on Mike Hilton

The question now is whether or not the signing has come because of Kohou's injury scare or if the Dolphins simply believe he can be a valuable asset to the room. Miami's corners, to this stage, have largely been young, unproven players. But Jones and Hilton have the potential to dramatically change the floor and the ceiling of Miami's secondary in 2025 — even with Hilton playing into the later chapters of his career.