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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Deen Worley

Lions agree to pay a portion of 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.

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).

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!

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