Lions Agreed to Pay Part of Jeff Okudah's 2023 Salary

The Detroit Lions reportedly agreed to pay a portion of cornerback Jeff Okudah's NFL contract. 

According to PFF, the Lions agreed to pay $1.5 million of the 24-year-old's contract in 2023 in order to help facilitate the deal. 

Detroit decided to part ways with the former 2020 No. 3 overall pick after one of his most productive seasons.

In 2022, Okudah secured 73 combined tackles, one interception and seven passes defensed in 15 games. 

In three seasons, the young defensive back has just appeared in 25 games, as his 2021 campaign was cut short after one game when he ruptured his Achilles tendon. 

The change of scenery represents an opportunity for Okudah to play and compete to start for a revamped Falcons team. 

Being selected so high in the draft placed the spotlight on all his actions, making it nearly impossible to ever live up to the billing in Motown. 

In Atlanta, Okudah will be working with new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, who replaced the retired Dean Pees. 

Nielsen had been with the New Orleans Saints since 2017 and most recently served as their defensive line coach and co-defensive coordinator.