Falcons Sign CB Mike Hughes; What's His Role?

The Atlanta Falcons signed former Detroit Lions cornerback Mike Hughes in free agency - but what role will he play?

The Atlanta Falcons have experienced plenty of movement in their cornerbacks room across the past few days.

Atlanta saw starting nickel Isaiah Oliver depart for the San Francisco 49ers and had reserve corner and special teams ace Mike Ford sign with the Cleveland Browns, the former's exit in particular opening up the question of who'd start inside.

But the Falcons may have provided that answer Monday, signing corner Mike Hughes to a two-year contract.

And Hughes, speaking with media on Monday night, delivered insight as to what led the Falcons to pursue him.

“I’ve been told that they like me in the slot," Hughes said. "Everywhere that I’ve been, playing in the slot, things happen during that long 17-week season. So, I see myself playing outside some, too. Whatever I need to do to help the team, that’s what I’ll do.”

Hughes, 26, was drafted in the first round by the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 but played in only six games before suffering a torn ACL. He returned to play 14 games in 2019 but dealt with a neck injury and saw action in just four games the year after before parting ways with Minnesota.

The 5-10, 195-pound Hughes cited injuries as the primary reason his time with the Vikings didn't work out, noting "a lot of people, not only Minnesota, didn't think I would get back healthy."

But the former UCF Knight did exactly that and has missed only one contest over the last two years, the first of which came with the Kansas City Chiefs and the last with the Detroit Lions.

Hughes played in 45 percent of the Chiefs' defensive snaps in 2021 and 53 percent of such snaps in Detroit this past season while also contributing on special teams.

Now, the focus is on Atlanta - and Hughes is already in the mood, donning Falcons gear in his press conference.

Why? He said "it just fell onto (his) chest," adding that it "looks goods" ... and perhaps most importantly, it feels even better.

"I wanted to come to a place where I feel wanted," Hughes said. "Atlanta was definitely a good opportunity for me. I definitely feel wanted here."

And from the sounds of it, Hughes is particularly "wanted" in the slot - and both he and the Falcons seem enthused by the idea entering next season.

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You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft

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