Okudah traded to Atlanta Falcons

The Detroit Lions are trading Nigerian-American cornerback Jeff Okudah to the Atlanta Falcons.

In return, the Falcons will send a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft to the Lions.

The move represents a fresh start for Okudah, a young cornerback who was the third pick in the 2020 NFL draft, out of Ohio State.

Despite injuries limiting Okudah to just 10 games over his first two pro seasons, he started 15 games for the Lions in the 2022 season and played his best football early in the season. He set career highs in tackles and passes defended while recording his first career pick-six in 2022.

The Lions added other cornerbacks in free agency this offseason, and with the new additions likely to be starters, a trade of Okudah became more likely.

Okudah is the latest defensive addition for the Falcons this offseason, as the team made moves in free agency. Okudah will be competing for the number two cornerback spot for the Falcons.