Tag: khadarel hodge

Falcons sign WR Khadarel Hodge to one-year deal

The Falcons have brought back WR KhaDarel Hodge on a one-year deal. Hodge had 13 catches for 202 yards and 1 TD in 2022.

The Atlanta Falcons have added more depth at the wide receiver position, signing KhaDarel Hodge to a one-year deal on Tuesday. Hodge, 28, finished the 2022 season with 13 catches for 202 receiving yards and a touchdown.

The five-year NFL veteran appeared in all 17 games for the Falcons last season, and has played in at least nine games each year since entering the league in 2018. Hodge previously played for the Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams.

For his career, Hodge has 43 catches for 632 receiving yards and one touchdown. He will join a wide receiver room that now features Mack Hollins, Scotty Miller and Drake London.

Stay up to date with each signing using our Falcons free agency tracker!

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Ex-Lions WR KhaDarel Hodge signs with the Falcons

Hodge caught a career-high 13 passes in his one season in Detroit

It’s been a few days since a Lions free agent signed with another team, but we now have another. Wide receiver and special teams ace KhaDarel Hodge has signed with the Atlanta Falcons.

Hodge signed a one-year deal in Atlanta after one season in Detroit. He has also played for the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns. The Lions claimed Hodge off waivers from the Browns after the roster cutdowns at the end of the preseason. The 27-year-old caught a career-high 13 passes for 157 yards for the Lions in 2021.

Hodge joins linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin as free agents who have left the Lions this offseason. Reeves-Maybin signed with the Houston Texans in the early days of the new league year.

Hodge’s departure was expected after the team signed DJ Chark as a free agent and also brought back Kalif Raymond.

Another one-time Lion, safety Duron Harmon, signed as a free agent with the Las Vegas Raiders after spending 2021 with the Falcons.

Lions don’t have easy answers to replace Kalif Raymond vs. Seahawks

Kalif Raymond doesn’t have big stats but he plays an important role for the Lions offense, one they don’t have a replacement for on the roster

When the Detroit Lions placed starting wide receiver Kalif Raymond on the reserve/COVID-19 list late in the week, it left a bigger void in the offense than it might seem. Raymond’s modest statistics belie his importance to the Lions offense.

Raymond has just 11 receptions for 96 receiving yards in the last four games. His 15 targets in those games are also nothing exceptional. But his ability to impact the defense with his speed, as well as his fierce blocking, have helped the Detroit offense perk up in that timeframe. The larger issue is that Detroit doesn’t have anyone in reserve who can readily step in and do those things for the Lions offense.

KhaDarel Hodge is the most likely suspect to take over the reps and do what Raymond does. He’s a proven blocker and he does have some long speed, but Hodge just hasn’t materialized as a route runner or trustworthy target. If Tim Boyle is at quarterback instead of Jared Goff, Hodge’s potential takes a hit too; Hodge at least worked with Goff during their Rams tenure together.

It would be lovely if Trinity Benson were capable of stepping up. Based on what we’ve seen from Benson, that would be an unexpected development. He’s been a healthy scratch even when the Lions have been injury-depleted, and his lack of blocking toughness makes him a poor replacement for Raymond. Benson does have the speed to make the defense account for him, however.

Tom Kennedy could play a bigger role. Coming off his biggest NFL outing to date (21 snaps, two receptions for 16 yards), Kennedy’s ability to get open on quick slants/outs can help fill that part of Raymond’s role. He’s shown himself a capable blocker in preseason opportunities as well. There’s also a chance the Lions could elevate rookie Javon McKinley or newcomer Juwan Green from the practice squad.

Lions injury update: Penei Sewell returns to practice, D’Andre Swift remains sidelined

Sewell and WR KhaDarel Hodge were back on Thursday after missing Wednesday’s session with an illness

There was a sigh of relief for Thursday’s Detroit Lions practice in Allen Park. Starting right tackle Penei Sewell returned from his one-day absence and was back in action in the penultimate session of Week 13 preparation.

Sewell and wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge were both back as limited participants after sitting out Wednesday’s practice with an undisclosed illness.

Four Lions remained out, however. When head coach Dan Campbell advised the media early in the week that running back D’Andre Swift wasn’t likely to play, he meant it. Swift remains out with a shoulder injury suffered in the Thanksgiving loss to the Bears. Starting linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin is also sidelined, as are OLB Trey Flowers and CB Bobby Price. Wide receiver Trinity Benson upgraded from limited participant to a full practice.

Lions vs. Vikings: Best and worst PFF grades from Week 5

Detroit Lions best and worst players through PFF shows the highlights and struggles against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5

Another kick to the heart for the Detroit Lions after the Minnesota Vikings stole the victory right out of the Lions’ grasp with a last-minute field goal to drop the Lions record to 0-5 to start the season.

On top of another loss, the Lions lose yet another player, WR Quintez Cephus, to a potentially season-ending injury, making everyone wonder how the Lions can have this much bad luck. But you can tell the players are fighting to the last second and giving their all, making these losses so tough it brings Dan Campbell to tears.

It will only be a matter of time before the Lions get their first victory, and many of these players will be out to help achieve that win.

Here are this week’s PFF’s best and worst players for the Lions in Week 5.

Where did they go? Keeping up with ex-Browns around the league

Keeping track of what happened with some former Cleveland Browns players this offseason as they moved around the NFL

Now that the 53-man rosters are set around the league, it’s time to keep up with where some former Browns players from the 2020 season or the 2021 preseason wound up.

Colby Gossett: Another player claimed off waivers after the Browns cut the offensive lineman earlier this week, Gossett is now in Atlanta. There are some projections where Gossett could get immediate playing time for the Falcons, who have some injury issues on the OL.

KhaDarel Hodge: The popular wideout and special teams star was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions. Former Browns GM John Dorsey, who brought Hodge to Cleveland, is part of the Lions front office now too.

Karl Joseph: A starting safety in Cleveland last year, Joseph was cut by the Las Vegas Raiders. He is now on the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad, and there is ample speculation he will be elevated quickly to the Steelers’ active roster once he clears COVID-19 protocols.

Terrance Mitchell: “Money” Mitchell is one of the starting cornerbacks for the Houston Texans. Mitchell signed in Houston as a free agent after three seasons in Cleveland.

Larry Ogunjobi: Ogunjobi defected from the Browns to the rival Bengals. The defensive tackle signed a one-year early in free agency. Ogunjobi is one of the Bengals top defensive starters.

Sheldrick Redwine: The young safety signed with the New York Jets right after being waived by the Browns. The Jets seem pretty excited to have Redwine in their secondary, too.

Sheldon Richardson: The versatile defensive lineman returns to Minnesota, where he played before coming to Cleveland in 2019. Richardson will start for the revamped Vikings defense.

Kyle Lauletta: Cleveland’s No. 3 QB dating back to last season was among the final cuts. He quickly signed in Jacksonville on the Jaguars’ practice squad.

Kendall Lamm: Lamm is playing the same role for the Tennessee Titans that he did in two years in Cleveland. He’s the top reserve offensive tackle. The Titans currently have COVID-19 issues that would have Lamm starting if the season began today.

Tavierre Thomas: The CB is in Houston, doing what he does best – making things happen on special teams. He is also Mitchell’s backup at outside CB on the Texans depth chart.

B.J. Goodson: Cleveland’s leading tackler in 2020, Goodson is still a free agent. The veteran linebacker remains unsigned.

Tae Davis: The LB and special teams fixture from 2019-2020 landed on injured reserve with the Houston Texans. He just recently had foot surgery.

Andrew Sendejo: Sendejo started 14 games for Cleveland in 2020 at safety. The veteran, who turns 34 this week, remains unsigned.

Olivier Vernon: Another veteran starter from last season, Vernon is also still unsigned.

Robert Jackson: Jackson was one of the earlier cuts for the Browns this summer. The cornerback, who primarily played special teams in Cleveland, is now on the Raiders’ practice squad.

Vincent Taylor: Taylor is climbing up the NFL ladder. A reserve defensive tackle in Cleveland, he’s now the starting “rush” tackle for the Texans.

Dontrell Hilliard: Yet another former Browns player who wound up in Houston, Hilliard was waived by the Texans and took an injury settlement. The running back is now a free agent.

New Lions WR KhaDarel Hodge restructures his contract, takes overall pay cut

Hodge lowered his overall compensation but picked up some guaranteed money for 2021

New Detroit Lions wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge has already helped his new franchise out. Hodge has agreed to restructure his contract in a move that frees up more than $1 million in salary cap room for the Lions.

Hodge, acquired this week when Detroit claimed him off waivers from the Cleveland Browns, was originally due to make $2.13 million in 2021. But none of that money was guaranteed. his new deal with Detroit drops the salary figure to just $920,000. Detroit also gave Hodge a bonus of $80,000 that is fully guaranteed, pushing his overall compensation for 2021 to $1 million.

The move frees up some more cap space for the Lions to either use this year or — more likely — carry over into 2022 and spend on more lucrative free agents. Hodge’s deal length did not change; the 26-year-old wideout will still be a free agent after the season.

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Lions claim WR KhaDarel Hodge and kicker Austin Seibert off waivers

Hodge and Seibert join the Lions as successful waiver claims

There are two new members of the Detroit Lions following the initial waiver wire claim period on Wednesday. The Lions were awarded successful waiver claims on wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge and kicker Austin Seibert.

Hodge is a veteran who spent the last two seasons in Cleveland. Prior to his BRowns tenure, Hodge played for the Los Angeles Rams and was brought there as an undrafted free agent by now-Lions GM Brad Holmes, who was the Rams’ scouting director at the time.

Seibert was also on the 2019 Cleveland Browns as a fifth-round pick out of Oklahoma. He lost his job in 2020 after a rough outing and subsequently replaced Randy Bullock in Cincinnati. He now replaces Bullock, who was cut on Tuesday, in Detroit.

Both were featured in our 20 players cut by other teams the Lions should consider adding to the roster listing.

The corresponding roster moves have yet to be announced.

Assessing KhaDarel Hodge’s trade value if Browns move on from him

If the Browns decide to move on from their preseason GOAT receiver, what could his trade value be? What are the positives and negatives of Hodge?

As noted throughout the offseason, the Cleveland Browns are going to have some difficult decisions to make with their talented, deep roster. The team can only have a 53-man roster as of Tuesday, 8/21/21 at 4PM EST. Between then and now, the Browns can, and probably will, make some moves.

Part of the struggle for Cleveland is that their offensive side of the ball may be overloaded with players that deserve to make the roster while the defense may be lacking. Despite the defense lacking the same level of talented depth as the offense, the Browns will need to keep less talented defenders to fill the roster properly.

One offensive player that may be on the roster bubble is KhaDarel Hodge. Brad Stainbrook has reported that Hodge will not make the roster due to his salary and role:

 

It is no surprise that the team will have tough decisions and some of them may be unpopular. If Cleveland really is moving on from Hodge, a trade could be possible.

To assess Hodge’s value in a trade, we must look at both the positives and negatives for a team acquiring him via trade.

Positives

  • Has shown ability as a receiver throughout training camp and preseason games.
  • Talented special teams gunner.
  • Should be available for cheap.
  • NFL experience: 39 games
  • Productive with few targets in 2020.
    • 11 receptions, all led to first downs.
  • Low maintenance, not expecting to be used as a #1 or #2.
  • Trading for him guarantees him instead of hoping to claim him.

Negatives

  • As noted by Stainbrook, over $2 million contract for a special teamer and backup receiver.
  • Only a one-year contract, becomes an unrestricted free agent.
  • Only 17 career receptions and zero touchdowns.
  • Browns will likely waive Hodge, can put a claim in for him.
    • Not a lot of teams will put in a claim for him due to contract and production.
  • How much of his preseason is due to Browns offense and playing backups?

Results

While Browns fans and media have been, rightfully, impressed with Hodge’s preseason performances, his trade value is relatively low. That could lead Cleveland to keep the receiver and special teamer or, out of respect for the player (and maybe as a favor to his agent) to waive him.

If Andrew Berry is able to make a deal for Hodge, the team can expect no more than a fifth-round pick but more likely a sixth. Berry may also look to acquire a defensive player instead of a draft pick, using a strength (receiver) to bolster another unit.

Watch: Baker Mayfield perfect TD pass to KhaDarel Hodge

Mayfield with the perfect pass to Hodge for a TD. Hodge continues to put on a show while he fights for a roster spot.

The Cleveland Browns kicked off their final preseason game of the year against the Atlanta Falcons. Baker Mayfield and a select number of Browns starters have seen the field so far.

The Falcons, on the other hand, have sat some of their key players like Matt Ryan, Calvin Ridley and Grady Jarrett. Rookie tight end Kyle Pitts looked good on a big play for Atlanta early before their first drive stalled.

Early in the game, Cleveland played well with a good screen, a few solid runs and a couple of passes from Mayfield.

On their second possession, Mayfield found KhaDarel Hodge a couple of times including this perfectly placed throw for a touchdown:

 

Mayfield’s ability to flip his hips and get the ball exactly where he wanted was impressive in what could be his final play in the preseason.