Free agent Atlanta Falcons cornerback named ideal fit for New Orleans Saints

This free agent Atlanta Falcons cornerback named an ideal fit for the New Orleans Saints. The position could be a huge need if they can’t re-sign Paulson Adebo:

The New Orleans Saints don’t have very much money to spend this offseason and have plenty of holes to fill, which means they will need to find some cheaper players to sign.

As Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker found one free agent for each team in the NFL, he found a player from the rival Atlanta Falcons that could fit that description.

Impending free agent cornerback Mike Hughes was the pick for Locker. Here is his reasoning:

Hughes quietly put together a rebound year in Atlanta, generating a 71.4 PFF coverage grade to go alongside a 68.2 PFF run-defense grade. He boasts the fifth-best PFF overall grade (71.9) for any upcoming free-agent cornerback. Even though the Saints are incredibly cash-strapped, Hughes could be a cheap solution, though he’s been inconsistent throughout his career.

The Saints traded away Marshon Lattimore this offseason and Paulson Adebo is likely to be a free agent, so corner is a huge need. Hughes would be an interesting option to fill the need, but not too inspiring of one.

He was a first-round selection by the Minnesota Vikings in 2018. Since then, he has been on four teams and was only promoted to a full-time starter last year.

Hughes has three career interceptions. I also feel compelled to mention that he has 28 career interception return yards. He certainly isn’t a ball-hawk, but would be a solid depth option if he signs for cheap.

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Falcons CB Mike Hughes ruled out for game vs. Panthers

Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes has been ruled out against the Panthers due to a shoulder injury

Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes suffered a shoulder injury in the second quarter of Sunday’s matchup against the Carolina Panthers and has been ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Hughes previously left the game in the first quarter to be evaluated for a head injury but came back shortly after. The former first-round pick has been solid as the No. 2 cornerback for Atlanta this season and will be a free agent this offseason.

The Falcons were tied with the Panthers at 3-3 when Hughes went down with his second injury of the outing. They’ll need to hold strong in this contest, as well as get some help from the rival Saints to make it to the postseason.

The Panthers have since taken a 10-3 lead over the Falcons late in the second quarter.

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Falcons CB Mike Hughes exits Saints game with neck injury

Falcons CB Mike Hughes is questionable to return in Week 10 due to a neck injury…

The Atlanta Falcons lost cornerback Mike Hughes to a neck injury during the first half of Sunday’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints. The UCF product is considered questionable to return.

This is not Hughes’ first experience with a neck injury, sidelined with a similar ailment back in 2020. For now, fellow defensive back Clark Phillips III is filling in for Hughes.

This is a big loss for the Atlanta secondary, which has greatly reaped the rewards of Hughes’ talent this season. He entered the game with 45 tackles (38 solo) and three defensed passes over nine games.

The Falcons trail the Saints in what has been a highly uncharacteristic performance to this point, 17-7 just ahead of the half.

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Falcons CB Mike Hughes exits game due to head injury

Falcons CB Mike Hughes is being evaluated for an injury in the third quarter of Sunday’s game against the Bears

Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes has exited the game against the Chicago Bears and has entered the medical tent, according to team reporter Tori McElhaney.

Atlanta trails Chicago, 27-10, at the start of the fourth quarter. The Falcons have the ball after a Bears field goal to close out the third quarter.

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Falcons CB Mike Hughes questionable to return vs. Saints

Falcons CB Mike Hughes is questionable to return vs. Saints due to a hand injury

The Atlanta Falcons are already down a man in the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints. Cornerback Mike Hughes is questionable to return due to a hand injury, ESPN’s Michael Rothstein reported.

The Falcons currently trail the Saints by three with four minutes left in the first quarter of Sunday’s matchup in Atlanta.

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NFL draft history: Every player selected with the 30th overall pick since 2000

We’re looking at every No. 30 overall pick selected since the 2000 NFL Draft and the Philadelphia Eagles’ chances of landing an impact player.

The Eagles need impact players on both sides of the ball, and with two first-round picks in this month’s draft, Howie Roseman will have another opportunity to add depth to a Super Bowl-caliber roster.

First-round picks are expected to be critical contributors.

The list of No. 30 overall selections has several misses, hits, and a few Hall of Fame-worthy performers.

With the NFL draft fast approaching, we’re looking at every player selected with the 30th pick since 2000.

Falcons sign former Lions CB Mike Hughes

Falcons sign former Lions CB Mike Hughes as a free agent

It was a one-and-done in Detroit for cornerback Mike Hughes. The veteran has agreed to sign with the Atlanta Falcons as a free agent, per numerous reports.

Hughes spent the 2022 season in Detroit, playing in 16 games. He started six, playing both outside and in the slot. Hughes performed well late in the season in place of Jeff Okudah on the outside, finishing out his one-year contract with the Lions on a high note.

The Lions opted to go in a different direction in free agency, signing free agents Cam Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley at outside corner and C.J. Gardner-Johnson to play the slot role. Detroit also brought back Will Harris.

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Falcons sign CB Mike Hughes to 2-year deal

The #Falcons are expected to sign free-agent CB Mike Hughes, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport

The Atlanta Falcons hosted Mike Hughes on a visit and now they’re expected to sign the free-agent cornerback, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported on Monday evening.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler later reported that it’s a two-year deal being finalized between the Falcons and Hughes.

Hughes, 26, should take over as the team’s primary nickel corner after Atlanta lost Isaiah Oliver and Mike Ford in free agency. The former first-round pick started his career with the Vikings before playing for the Chiefs in 2021 and Lions in 2022.

Since entering the league in 2018, Hughes has appeared in 57 games (18 starts), racking up three interceptions, 20 passes defended and seven forced fumbles.

He will now join A.J. Terrell, Casey Hayward and Jessie Bates in the secondary under first-year Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen.

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NFL free agency: Rumors and reports on the remaining Lions on the market

NFL free agency: Rumors and reports concerning the Lions from 2022 who remain available in free agency

The Detroit Lions currently have 13 unrestricted free agents that are free to sign with other teams.

As news floods in about all of the trades, signings, and visits around the league, it’s hard to keep track of where these former Lions are headed next.

EDGE Austin Bryant‘s name has not appeared in any headlines as of yet. The 2019 fourth-round pick was benched last season in favor of Julian Okwara and rookie James Houston.

Wide receiver DJ Chark has drawn interest from several teams, including the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants and Carolina Panthers. While he is still expected to test the market, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reported that there is a chance that Chark returns as a Lion in 2023.

Cornerback Mike Hughes is reported to have a visit scheduled with the Atlanta Falcons. The versatile cornerback had six starts for the Lions at both the outside and nickel positions.

Running back Justin Jackson has not garnered any interest so far in free agency. He did well as Detroit’s third running back last season.

Offensive lineman Tommy Kraemer is another exclusive-rights free agent who the Lions opted not to bring back. He was sidelined with a back injury for the entirety of the 2022 season, so his health may be a factor into why he has not re-signed. As an undrafted rookie in 2021, he provided reliable depth for the interior offensive line.

Safety C.J. Moore excitedly rejoined the Lions mid-season after spending some time with the Houston Texans. He was the heart and soul of Detroit’s special teams unit and will likely be looking for that role elsewhere. He recently met with the New England Patriots, who recent signed fellow former Lions special teamer Chris Board.

Cornerback Amani Oruwariye was once thought to be a sure starter for the Lions. Instead, he rode the bench for most of 2022 and entered free agency without any suitors. He has not been linked to any teams yet in free agency.

Cornerback Bobby Price was not tendered as a restricted free agent and is now free to sign with any team. He suffered a knee injury in 2022 and will likely need to wait until he’s cleared before signing with a team. Birkett also reported that Price will be in the Detroit area for a checkup on his knee.

Quarterback Nate Sudfeld was the lone backup for Jared Goff last season and now will test the free agent market. He also has no noteworthy news so far in free agency.

Offensive lineman Dan Skipper was a feel-good story for the Lions as he performed well as a starter in place of the injured Jonah Jackson. He is yet another free agent in Detroit who has not met with any teams in the past few days.

Linebacker Josh Woods was a team captain and special teams ace last season. He has no ties to any other teams at this time.

 

 

Stay or go: Predicting the fate of the Lions free agents in 2023

Here’s an early prediction for the fates of all the Detroit Lions unrestricted free agents

The onset of NFL free agency is a little over a month away. The Detroit Lions have 18 pending unrestricted free agents as the team enters the new league year.

Who will stay in Detroit? Which ones will be playing elsewhere in 2023?

Here’s an early prediction for the fates of all 18 Lions’ unrestricted free agents.