The NFL free agency frenzy kicked off on Monday which saw a former Buckeye fan favorite land a contract with a new team.
That is Jeff Okudah who signed a one-year, $4.75 million deal with the Houston Texans that is worth up to $6 million with a snap count incentive. It is a new start for Okudah who returns to Texas where he grew up.
Okudah arrived at Ohio State with a lot of expectations as a five-star recruit. He lived up to those lofty expectations as Okudah was a lockdown corner in his time in Columbus and one of the leaders of an outstanding defense in his junior season in 2019.
Following a stellar career at Ohio State, Okudah was drafted with the third overall pick in the 2020 draft by the Detroit Lions. Okudah unfortunately dealt with injuries at the start of career as he suffered season-ending injuries in his first two seasons.
Source: The #Texans are expected to sign CB Jeff Okudah to a 1-year deal. pic.twitter.com/W4Rvm8JTgV
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 11, 2024
After three seasons in Detroit, Okudah was traded to the Atlanta Falcons where he appeared in 13 games with nine starts this season.
Ohio State CB Jeffrey Okudah with his 2nd interception of the night. 14-0 #Buckeyes pic.twitter.com/Nu2SrF7LQ2
— The Buckeye Nut (@TheBuckeyeNut) September 29, 2019
Okudah’s new start in Houston is intriguing in particular due to DeMeco Ryans who led a quick turnaround in just his first season as head coach of the Texans and is considered one of the best defensive minds in football. Perhaps, the former Buckeye star can fulfill his potential in Houston under Ryans’ tutelage.