The Atlanta Falcons have a hole at cornerback after losing Isaiah Oliver in free agency, and it appears the team is eyeing Mike Hughes as a replacement. According to a reports from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Falcons are hosting Hughes on a free agency visit.
The #Falcons are hosting former #Vikings first-round pick CB Mike Hughes, per me and @MikeGarafolo. Hughes has spent time with the #Chiefs and #Lions the past two years, starting 11 combined games.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 20, 2023
The 26-year old was originally selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft. After three seasons in Minnesota, Hughes was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021 before signing with the Detroit Lions as a free agent in 2022.
While he hasn’t quite lived up to his first-round pick status, Hughes is a quality slot corner who has experience with Falcons assistant head coach Jerry Gray.
Over his five-year NFL career, Hughes has recorded three interceptions and 20 passes defended.
Atlanta has already upgraded its secondary by signing Jessie Bates III to a monster contract. Adding Hughes would help add some depth and give the team another option at nickel.
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