Falcons to meet with free-agent CB Mike Hughes

The Atlanta Falcons have a hole at cornerback after losing Isaiah Oliver in free agency, and it appears the team is eyeing Mike Hughes as a replacement. According to a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Falcons are hosting Hughes on a free agency visit this weekend.

The 26-year old was originally selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft. After three seasons in Minnesota, Hughes was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021 before signing with the Detroit Lions as a free agent in 2022.

While he hasn’t quite lived up to his first-round pick status, Hughes is a quality slot corner who has experience with Falcons assistant head coach Jerry Gray.

Cornerback Mike Hughes is making a free agency visit to the #Falcons over the weekend, per source.

The former first-round pick could reunite with assistant head coach Jerry Gray, who coached Hughes in Minnesota.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 17, 2023

Over his five-year NFL career, Hughes has recorded three interceptions and 20 passes defended.

Atlanta has already upgraded its secondary by signing Jessie Bates III to a monster contract. Adding Hughes would help add some depth and give the team another option at nickel.