The Atlanta Falcons front office has been busy in the opening days of free agency, hoping to improve on a disappointing 2024 campaign that saw the team finish short of the playoffs.
There have been obvious misses in free agency that have cost the organization, though there's a strong foundation to be built on, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. There have been some major misses on defense in recent years, exemplified by the fact that the Falcons ranked just 19th in opponent yards per play (5.5).
One of those recent failed signings had just landed with a new team despite being a major disappointment.
Vikings and CB Jeff Okudah reached agreement today on a one-year contract, per @UniSportsMgmt CEO Kevin Conner. The 26-year-old Okudah had multiple options, but chose to return to the NFC North, this time with the Vikings to play for DC Brian Flores. pic.twitter.com/Kpio0LeWa7
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2025
Former Falcons CB Jeff Okudah Signs With Vikings
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, former Falcons cornerback Jeff Okudah has agreed to a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings to reunite with defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Per Schefter's reporting, Okudah was entertaining multiple offers, which may come as a surprise to Atlanta fans.
Originally the third overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions out of Ohio State, Okudah's injury history prevented him from ever making an impact worthy of his pedigree. He played in only 25 games over three years with the Lions before joining the Falcons, going down as one of the biggest draft busts in recent memory.
Okudah was with Atlanta in 2023, starting nine games and appearing in 13. He gave up a 94.7 passer rating when targeted in coverage, suggesting there wasn't much promise in the struggling, oft-hurt now 26-year-old corner. The Falcons have significant needs on defense, and it'd be painful to see Okudah reach his potential with an NFC foe. That said, it's wise that Atlanta didn't invest further in the player, particularly given A.J. Terrell's dominance at the position.
Fans should wish Okudah well, though it's for the best that he's now someone else's problem.