The New Orleans Saints starting linebackers in 2023 were Pete Werner, Demario Davis, and Zack Baun. The Saints addressed the position in free agency by extending Demario Davis, letting Zack Baun walk, and signing Willie Gay Jr. and a linebacker from the NFC East.
The New Orleans Saints signed a linebacker from the NFC East.
According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Saints signed Khaleke Hudson to a one-year deal.
Khaleke Hudson spent his first four seasons in Washington D.C.
The Washington Football Team drafted Hudson in the 5th round, 162nd overall of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Hudson played 16 games, starting twice in his rookie season. He had 14 tackles, two for a loss, one QB hit, and a 65.8 PFF Grade in 51 (5%) defensive snaps and 359 (82%) special teams snaps. He also had two tackles in the Wild Card round.
Hudson played 12 games, starting once in his second season. He had nine tackles, one QB hit, and a 52.3 PFF Grade in 23 (3%) defensive snaps and 249 (82%) special teams snaps. He suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 13.
The Commanders waived Hudson during the final round of roster cuts on August 30. They re-signed him to the practice squad on August 31, and the team promoted Hudson to the active roster on October 21. Hudson played 13 games, starting once in his third season. He had 11 tackles, one QB hit, and a 55.9 PFF Grade in 72 (9%) defensive snaps and 270 (77%) special teams snaps.
Hudson had his most productive season and saw extended action in his fourth season, playing 17 games, starting eight. He had 74 tackles, five for a loss, two QB hits, one sack, two pass deflections, and a 64.6 PFF Grade in 405 (35%) defensive snaps and 344 (73%) special teams snaps.
Khaleke Hudson’s former head coach praised him heading into the 2023 season.
Rivera praised Hudson’s confidence heading into the 2023 season.
“I think it’s confidence more than anything else,” said head coach Ron Rivera. “He really had a very good training camp this year and he gave us a lot of confidence being able to keep four [linebackers] knowing his versatility, but also knowing he’s grown so much as a player.”
Why is this signing important?
This signing is important because Hudson brings depth to the linebacker position and brings special teams experience.
The New Orleans Saints will have a linebacker competition this offseason.
The Saints have an interesting linebacker situation heading into next season. Demario Davis is the only player who is a lock to start since Willie Gay Jr. and Pete Werner will compete for the number two linebacker spot since teams rarely utilize a third linebacker in a 4-3.
There will also be a competition for the backup job. Notable players on the roster who will compete for the backup job include D’Marco Jackson, Nephi Sewell, Monty Rice, and Khaleke Hudson.
Will Hudson make the 53-man roster, and who will be their starting linebackers next season?
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