Falcons Trade for Lions CB Jeff Okudah; Great Pedigree, So Why So Cheap?

With Jeff Okudah traded to Atlanta, it's clear what the Falcons think of his resume.

Two days ago, we wrote on the possibility that the Detroit Lions were showing a willingness to move on from cornerback Jeff Okudah.

Two minutes ago, the Lions did so, swapping out the "name'' defensive back in exchange for a 2023 fifth-round pick.

Here, we discuss what the Atlanta Falcons are getting in the deal, and what it means to fellow corner A.J. Terrell ... and what impact it might have on the Falcons' NFL Draft plans as they sit in the No. 8 slot. (Is it now less likely that Atlanta wants to grab a cornerback like Oregon's Christian Gonzalez or Illinois' Devon Witherspoon? And is it more likely that is where Detroit might zero in?)

But from the Atlanta perspective: Why is Okudah - who arrived in the league amid gigantic expectations as he was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft - available so cheap?

Three reasons ...

1 - While he is coming off a solid third season after dealing with injuries early on, his body of work isn't very strong as it includes him having ruptured his Achilles in Week 1 of the 2021 season.

2 - The Lions this offseason signed Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. That meant somebody there was likely to be expendable.

3 - There is a fifth-year option decision due on Okudah ($11 million for 2024) and it must be made by May 1. But for now? He is still on a rookie contract and Okudah's upside is still in play.

He's far more likely to succeed in the NFL than a coming-in third-round player. His pedigree says it is so. And With Okudah in Atlanta, it's clear the Falcons think it is so as well.