Mike Hilton to follow Alejandro Villanueva plan; seeks long-term deal not ERFA tender

[RuthlessBurgher]

Report: Mike Hilton won’t sign ERFA tender, wants new deal with Steelers

Posted by Josh Alper on March 20, 2019, 2:58 PM EDT

Steelers left tackle Alejandro Villanueva held off on signing his $615,000 exclusive rights free agent tender in 2017 because he wanted a contract that better represented his role on the team.

Villanueva wound up getting that contract and one of his teammates is reportedly looking for something similar to play out for him this offseason.

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports that cornerback Mike Hilton has no plans to sign the $645,000 tender extended by the team. He can’t negotiate with any other teams as exclusive rights free agents are bound to their teams once tendered, but he can negotiate with the Steelers about new terms.

Villanueva practiced with the team throughout the 2017 offseason without signing the tender and Fowler reports Hilton plans to do the same thing.

Hilton has played in all but one game over the last two seasons and has 121 tackles, three interceptions and a forced fumble.

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/03/20/report-mike-hilton-wont-sign-erfa-tender-wants-new-deal-with-steelers/

[RuthlessBurgher]

Jeremy Fowler
ESPN Staff Writer

Contract situation to watch in Pittsburgh: After two productive years, slot corner Mike Hilton plans to wait to sign his exclusive rights tender in efforts for new contract, per source. One of team's best tacklers won't miss offseason work, though. Similar approach to left tackle Al Villanueva, who got a new deal before 2017 training camp after not signing his tender. The rub: Productive players don't love playing on the minimum.

1h

[steeler_george]

My thoughts,

I am not even sure if he is in long term plans. He played well enough to earn an extended contract, but has he cemented his position on this D? Would Allen supplant him this year?

Risky on his part...

[passhappy]

how much is he asking for?

[SidSmythe]

AV is a starting LT who got a late start in the NFL due to his service. Hilton doesn't have the same leverage unless he's looking for a fair contract.

[hawaiiansteel]

I am not even sure if he is in long term plans.

Risky on his part...

guess we'll find out soon by the way the Steelers react to this.

[Oh wow]

He should get a fair contract. Hopefully he gets it.

[Oh wow]

AV is a starting LT who got a late start in the NFL due to his service. Hilton doesn't have the same leverage unless he's looking for a fair contract.

AV wasn’t paid a far price for LT. We got him on the cheap of I’m not mistaken.

[Disco1981]

AV wasn’t paid a far price for LT. We got him on the cheap of I’m not mistaken.

We did.....

[pittpete]

He should get a fair contract. Hopefully he gets it.

I'd agree with this.

[phillyesq]

There is some benefit in doing this for both the player and the team. AV didn't get what he would have gotten on the open market. The Steelers paid him a bit more up front but got a deal on the later years of the deal. You'd have to work a similar deal with Hilton. Give him some extra money early, but buy out a few years of free agency at a reduced rate.

[SidSmythe]

AV carries a decent price tag vs the Cap.
He took his deal when he was still developing.

I'd say his deal is very fair to both sides.

[Disco1981]

I mean...Even though I like Hilton, He is our 3rd or 4th corner...Maybe lower if we draft one high...How much does he think he's worth?...AV was/ is our starting LT

[steeler_george]

I mean...Even though I like Hilton, He is our 3rd or 4th corner...Maybe lower if we draft one high...How much does he think he's worth?...AV was/ is our starting LT

My thoughts exactly...

[Steel Maniac]

Pay the man.