Despite having a career year with the Chiefs, Mike Hughes has had to settle for a modest one-year deal. According to Doug Kyed of Pro Football Focus (on Twitter), the cornerback is signing with the Lions. The one-year pact is worth $3.5MM.
After being traded from Minnesota last May, Hughes suited up for all 17 games with Kansas City – the first time in his four-year career he was available for a full campaign. He notched one interception, adding six pass breakups and four forced fumbles.
2021 was also Hughes’ best season with regards to coverage statistics. He allowed a completion percentage under 60% for the first time, and surrendered an average of seven yards per target. All of that added up to a PFF grade of 72.9, also a career mark.
Given his age (25), 2021 production, and first-round pedigree, Hughes was expected to be “popular” in free agency. Remaining with the Chiefs was also on the table. While Hughes managed to have a career season, his extensive injury history probably contributed to the short-term deal; a torn ACL followed by multiple neck issues limited him to a total of 24 games played across three seasons with the Vikings.
How the heck did the Lions land him?
Chiefs didn’t REALLY want him back.
Vikings dumped him.
That left 30 possible destinations
Chiefs are hurting at corner back
Now that is a nice depth signing for the Lions. Can’t go wrong with any of it, the player or the details.
The Lions now have 10 CB’s on their roster 26 or younger.