The New Orleans Saints have made another free agent signing, and their dipping into familiar waters to get it.
New Orleans has agreed to terms with former Commanders linebacker Khaleke Hudson, the news was first reported by Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. Hudson was Washington's selection in the 5th round of the 2020 draft, the same class where Chase Young went No. overall to Washington. The Saints agreed to Young on a 1-year deal earlier this offseason.
Hudson, who starred at Michigan in college, appeared in 58 games for the Commanders, but saw minimal action outside of special teams over his first three seasons with a 34 total tackles. That changed in the second half of the 2023 season, particularly over the final four games of the season when he averaged more than 50 snaps per game. He ended the year with 74 total tackles, 5 TFLs and a sack on a struggling Washington defense.
Hudson's role with the Saints will remain to be seen, though they will need to replace some core special teamers with the departure of Zack Baun and Lonnie Johnson Jr. Teams will also have to rethink coverage strategies on kickoffs with a new NFL rule that is intended to increase the number of returns.
The Saints previously added former Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay in free agency, who is expected to compete for a starting role this offseason. The roster also includes returning starters Pete Werner and Demario Davis, as well as depth options in Nephi Sewell, Anfernee Orji and D'Marco Jackson. Sewell had his role grow in his second year after signing as a UDFA in 2022, but suffered a significant knee injury that ended his season during a Week 17 victory over the Bucs.
