JUST IN: Saints bolster LB depth and special teams with latest signing
A special teams mainstay in Washington, Khaleke Hudson enjoyed his biggest opportunity on defense last season. This will lead to another opportunity.
With the Commanders retooling in Dan Quinn‘s first offseason — one that has brought many of the new HC’s former charges to Washington — Hudson will leave for a chance with the Saints. New Orleans is adding the veteran linebacker on a one-year deal, NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo reports.
Hudson has agreed to a one-year deal with the Saints, following a visit to the Steelers. It is uncertain whether the Steelers, who already have another former Washington linebacker, Cole Holcomb, on their roster, made an offer.
Hudson, 26, a Michigan alum, started just four games in his first three seasons but consistently contributed to special teams. In the final season of the Ron Rivera-Jack Del Rio partnership, he became a starter and made 74 tackles (five for loss), recorded a sack, and broke up two passes, despite the team’s poor defensive performance. The Saints are adding a veteran special teams player and a linebacker with eight starts last season.
According to Pro Football Focus, Hudson ranks 51st among linebackers, placing him in the middle of the pack. After Jamin Davis suffered a season-ending injury, Hudson started the final five games for the Commanders, finishing with a strong performance of three tackles for loss in the last game.The Saints recently extended Demario Davis’ contract and added Willie Gay, a four-year starter from the Chiefs.
With Pete Werner entering a contract year, Hudson’s role as a Saint appears to be that of a backup, barring any injuries. However, his experience in special teams will likely strengthen the Saints’ third-phase options under Dennis Allen’s leadership in his third season as head coach.
