Falcons fans already had to come to terms with the fact that they lost one of their favorite players in Grady Jarrett this offseason. The ten-year veteran's departure, along with standout center Drew Dalman signing with Chicago, certainly stings.
To make matters worse, the Falcons can't be active and aggressive on the market due to their lack of financial flexibility. They mostly used this week to re-sign their own players, other than signing Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo.
One of the players they re-signed, however, gave the fanbase something to be happy about. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that wide receiver and special teams ace KhaDarel Hodge re-signed with the Falcons on a two-year, $6 million deal.
REPORT: WR and Pro Bowl special teamer KhaDarel Hodge returning to the Falcons on two-year, $6 million deal, according to @RapSheet https://t.co/y7XDJyxSiM
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) March 12, 2025
Falcons News: Atlanta Re-Signs WR/ST Khadarel Hodge
Fan reaction on social media after the move was announced tells you everything you need to know about how people in Atlanta feel about Hodge.
The former undrafted free agent turned his career around after signing with the Falcons in the 2022 offseason. Following two productive seasons as a WR5, Hodge turned himself into a true fan favorite last season when he scored a game-winning touchdown against the Bucs in Week 5 following a forced fumble and recovery. In a Week 15 win over the Raiders, the talented playmaker blocked a punt and tipped another, earning himself the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
As a result, Hodge made the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career, thanks to his special team contributions.
The 30-year-old may have made the biggest difference on special teams but has continued to play a role offensively as well. He played in 20% of Atlanta's offensive snaps last season, catching seven passes for 131 yards and one touchdown.
At 6-foot-2 and 208-pounds, Hodge's size, combined with his impressive speed, makes him difficult to bring down. He will continue to have a small role within the offense, in addition to the immense special teams value he provides.