Lion’s Cornerback Jeff Okudah has been traded to the Atlanta Falcons according to NFL Network Reporter Tom Pelissero.
Detroit receives a 2023 fifth-round pick in exchange for Okudah. The exact number is pick 159.
Okudah’s departure from Detroit was inevitable. Detroit added Emmanuel Mosley, Cameron Sutton and CJ Gardner-Johnson during free agency. Okudah was the odd man out in the Lion’s secondary.
Okudah joins a Falcon’s defense that needs help. The Falcon’s defense ranked 27th, allowed 362.1 yards per game and 23 points per game. Atlanta added safety, Jessie Bates, during free agency. Okudah will compete with Casey Hayward for the number two cornerback position. A.J. Terrell is Atlanta’s number-one cornerback.
Okudah was the third-overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Draft analysts called Okudah the best cornerback in the 2020 draft class.
Okudah’s career has been stalled by injuries. In 2020, Okudah injured his hamstring, shoulder, and groin. Okudah tore his Achilles in 2021 and suffered a concussion in 2022.
Okudah has recorded 124 tackles and two interceptions in 25 games.
Okudah is due $5.18 million in 2023. Atlanta has until May 1 to decide if they want to pick up his fifth-year option.
Okudah is a decent cornerback who has potential. A change of scenery should help Okudah revive his career. Okudah is 24 years old.
