Just 47 days stand between right now and when the New Orleans Saints open up the 2024 regular season against the Carolina Panthers. With that, Khaleke Hudson is the Saints Player of the Day 47 in our countdown.
Here’s what to know about Hudson, a newcomer to the Saints who fittingly wears the No. 47 jersey:
- Name (Age): Khaleke Hudson (26)
- Position: Linebacker
- Height, weight: 6-foot, 220 pounds
- Relative Athletic Score: 7.58
- 2024 salary cap hit: $1,152,500
- College: Michigan
- Drafted: Round 5 in 2020 (Washington Commanders)
- NFL experience: 5 years
2024 will mark the first year in which Hudson has played for a team in his NFL career not named the Washington Commanders. Hudson is expected to add depth and some value on special teams, something that’s obviously an asset after he factored in on 73% of Washington’s special teams snaps in 2023. The Saints lost special teams linebackers like Zack Baun and Ty Summers in free agency so he could help out in that phase.
He did see more time on the defensive side of the ball in 2023, though, playing in 17 games (8 starts) with 74 tackles (44 solo), five tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, two passes defensed and two quarterback hits.
His versatility that he brings to the table for an NFL team goes back to his college career at Michigan where he played the “Viper” position for the Wolverines. The position is described as one in which the player functions as a hybrid between the linebacker and the safety role.
At Michigan, he saw action in 52 contests with 37 starts, earning second team All-Big 10 honors twice (2017, 2019).
Hudson was signed by the Saints in April as an unrestricted free agent to a one-year deal. How he is able to capitalize on this opportunity in New Orleans and if he can grow a larger role at linebacker over time will be something to keep an eye on.
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