The New Orleans Saints’ free agency began with the signing of linebacker Willie Gay. On Thursday, the Saints re-signed veteran linebacker Khaleke Hudson. Hudson, who spent the previous four years with the Washington Commanders, will join the New Orleans Commanders on a one-year contract.
Hudson, who was drafted in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft from Michigan, was a crucial special teams contributor and depth linebacker for Washington over four seasons. However, past season, he established himself as a starter, starting eight of the 17 games he appeared in. He concluded the season with 74 tackles, five for loss, and one sack. He also had the most tackles throughout the final four weeks of the season.
Hudson will now reconnect with his draft teammate Chase Young, Washington’s first pick in the 2020 Draft. The Saints signed Young earlier this offseason in the hopes that he could help the team improve its pass rush. Hudson will be joining a quality linebacker corps that has to improve against the run and pass.
In 2023, the Saints allowed 119.9 running yards per game, ranking 22nd in the NFL. Hopefully, the acquisitions of Chase Young and linebackers can help change this. Willie Gay and Khaleke Hudson will compete with Pete Werner for the other starting berth, as Pro Bowler Demario Davis is almost guaranteed to start. It’s safe to anticipate that all four linebackers will play.
As Hudson becomes more acquainted with New Orleans and the Saints, this will not be Saints fans’ first introduction to him. In a 2021 game against New Orleans, Hudson produced a big hit on Alvin Kamara, taking the star off his feet on a punt return. Hudson will now strive to provide those types of hits for the Saints.
