The New Orleans Saints don’t have very much money to spend this offseason and have plenty of holes to fill, which means they will need to find some cheaper players to sign.
As Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker found one free agent for each team in the NFL, he found a player from the rival Atlanta Falcons that could fit that description.
Impending free agent cornerback Mike Hughes was the pick for Locker. Here is his reasoning:
Hughes quietly put together a rebound year in Atlanta, generating a 71.4 PFF coverage grade to go alongside a 68.2 PFF run-defense grade. He boasts the fifth-best PFF overall grade (71.9) for any upcoming free-agent cornerback. Even though the Saints are incredibly cash-strapped, Hughes could be a cheap solution, though he’s been inconsistent throughout his career.
The Saints traded away Marshon Lattimore this offseason and Paulson Adebo is likely to be a free agent, so corner is a huge need. Hughes would be an interesting option to fill the need, but not too inspiring of one.
He was a first-round selection by the Minnesota Vikings in 2018. Since then, he has been on four teams and was only promoted to a full-time starter last year.
Hughes has three career interceptions. I also feel compelled to mention that he has 28 career interception return yards. He certainly isn’t a ball-hawk, but would be a solid depth option if he signs for cheap.
