Cowboys sign former Texas football CB Holton Hill to practice squad

A notable former Texas football defensive back that is still trying to find traction at the next level is the lengthy 6-foot-3 and 200-pound former Minnesota Vikings cornerback Holton Hill. As someone who registered more than 120 career combined tackles, five interceptions, eight pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery, it was pretty surprising when Hill wasn’t drafted back in 2018.

Yet, Hill got his chance with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent signing that got some real playing time in his first three NFL seasons. In three seasons played with the Vikings, Hill registered more than 70 combined tackles, one interception, 11 pass breakups, one tackle for loss, and one fumble recovery.

Hill was solid in mostly a backup role in the secondary for the Vikings in the last few seasons. But that apparently wasn’t enough for him to stick around in Minnesota for what was a tough relationship between these two parties since 2018.

The Vikings released Hill back during the winter months, making him one of the more interesting cornerbacks in free agency last offseason. But Hill didn’t even make it through the preseason on any final NFL roster.

Hill did sign with the Indianapolis Colts back in July but was cut prior to the start of the regular season.

Former Texas football CB Holton Hill gets a shot with the Dallas Cowboys

But it didn’t take long for another NFL team to give Hill a shot this year. And that’s not shocking given the raw talent level he brings to the table that he flashed in the last few years in Minnesota.

The Cowboys added Hill to their practice squad on Sep. 22. This could bring back Hill to a team that needs help at the cornerback position, and in a spot where he’s closer to home. Hill dealt with some injury and off-the-field issues during his time in Minnesota, so this could be a good fit in Dallas.

Hill even missed the entirety of the 2019 season due to a suspension.

The 1-1 Cowboys were one of the worst teams in pass defense in all of the NFL last season. And while the secondary looks to be making strides this fall, they still could use some more help. Hill has a real opportunity to get a roster spot by the season’s end in Dallas.

Hill is now one of two former Longhorns on the Cowboys roster, between the actual roster and the practice squad. The other is a former teammate of Hill’s and ex-All-American offensive tackle Connor Williams.