Lions agree to pay a portion Jeff Okudah’s 2023 salary

When the Falcons acquired cornerback Jeff Okudah in a trade with the Lions, it was initially reported that Atlanta would have to pay him a little over $5 million this season. That’s not bad for a former No. 3 overall pick who is likely to start for the team in 2023.

However, according to Pro Football Focus’ Brad Spielberger, the Lions have agreed to pay $1.5 million of Okudah’s salary. This brings Okudah’s 2023 cap hit down to $3.62 million for the Falcons.

Per a league source, to facilitate the trade of CB Jeff Okudah to the Atlanta Falcons, the Lions agreed to pay $1.5M of his 2023 salary

Falcons inherit a one-year, $3.682M deal for the former third overall pick, with a fifth-year option deadline of May 1st

— Brad Spielberger, Esq. (@PFF_Brad) April 12, 2023

The Lions were already on the hook for over $5 million due to Okudah’s rookie signing bonus, but in order to help facilitate the deal, Detroit was willing to pay an additional $1.5 million.

The Falcons still have until May 1 to decide whether or not they want to exercise Okudah’s fifth-year option, which will cost over $11 million. Last offseason, the team picked up Chris Lindstrom’s fifth-year option, while declining Kaleb McGary’s.

Both players ended up signing long-term deals in Atlanta this offseason, so don’t read too much into the decision either way. Now that the trade has gone through, we officially know which pick the Falcons sent to the Lions (No. 159).

#Lions trade CB Jeff Okudah to Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a 2023 fifth-round draft selection. pic.twitter.com/6NgMxWrMnO

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) April 13, 2023

Okudah cracked the starting lineup in our latest Falcons lineup projection. Make sure to stay up to date with each transaction using our free agency tracker!