Falcons Re-Sign KhaDarel Hodge, Storm Norton in Free Agency
The Atlanta Falcons have re-signed a pair of players from last year's roster.
Atlanta has retained receiver KhaDarel Hodge and swing offensive tackle Storm Norton, per release from the team. Both players were signed to one-year contracts.
The 29-year-old Hodge has spent each of the past two seasons in Atlanta. He registered 27 receptions for 434 yards and a touchdown in his time as a Falcon.
Jan 7, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge (12) during warmups against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome.
Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Beyond his offensive impact, Hodge has served as a gunner on Atlanta’s special teams unit, drawing praise from coordinator Marquice Williams, a carryover from the previous staff.
"Hodge has been a great addition to our team and our special teams unit," Williams said in 2022. "He's made a name for himself as a special teams player. I've always admired his career from afar, and then it's a blessing to have him on our team. He (did) a great job and we're happy to have him."
Norton joined the Falcons shortly after the start of the 2023 season and played in 14 games, earning three starts.
He played 31 percent of Atlanta’s offensive snaps and 14 percent of special teams snaps last season.
In Week 5, Norton entered in place of right tackle Kaleb McGary and earned praise from quarterback Desmond Ridder.
“He did a heck of a job coming in, stepping in for Kaleb, and was able to kind of smoothly run the offense without any hiccups on that end,” Ridder said.
The Falcons have now re-signed five players from last year - Hodge, Norton, long snapper Liam McCullough, linebacker Nate Landman and offensive lineman Ryan Neuzil.
