Falcons CB Jeff Okudah 'Unlikely' to Sign? NFL Free Agency Rumor
The Atlanta Falcons are gearing up for free agency and they have a decision to make in regards to cornerback Jeff Okudah.
Okudah, 25, played 13 games for the Falcons this season after being traded by the Detroit Lions for a fifth-round draft pick. However, the former No. 3 overall pick failed to generate enough noise towards being an instant decision for Atlanta. In fact, The Athletic believes the team won't re-sign Okudah in the offseason.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jeff Okudah vs. the Lions.
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
"The No. 3 pick in the 2020 draft might get the biggest deal out of the Falcons’ free agents this year simply because of potential and youth, but it’s unlikely to come from the Falcons," The Athletic writes. "Okudah, who came to Atlanta in an offseason trade with Detroit last year, was benched late in the season in favor of rookie cornerback Clark Phillips. Morris might be tempted by Okudah’s talent, but with secondary coach Jerry Gray staying in Atlanta, Okudah probably won’t be back. Okudah broke up three passes and didn’t have an interception. He only has two interceptions in 38 career games."
Given the coaching change as well, and new defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake's speciality in the secondary, it's possible Atlanta may look to replace him with Phillips and/or other free agents with more connections to the new regime.
However, if the Falcons can nab him at the right price, it's possible there could be a reunion ... but that seems to be less likely than him finding a new home.
