Saints practice squad linebacker Khaleke Hudson is heading to Cleveland, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Hudson will join the Browns active roster after being signed from the practice squad in New Orleans. A gameday elevation this past weekend, Hudson could be one of the first players in the league to play for more than one team this season.
Hudson signed with the Saints this offseason after playing out his rookie contract as a fifth-round pick in Washington. A solid rotation player through the first three years of his career, Hudson earned a bigger role in 2023, starting eight games for the Commanders and tallying career highs in total tackles (74), tackles for loss (five), sacks (one), quarterback hits (two), and passes defensed (two).
Despite a strong contract year that led to his deal with the Saints, Hudson didn’t end up making the initial 53-man roster, though New Orleans did retain him on the practice squad. Now, though, he’ll get a new opportunity to play in Cleveland, where Brandon Bouye-Randle sits on injured reserve and Mohamoud Diabate and Tony Fields II take up spots on the injury report. He provides some experienced, starting depth on the defense.
Additionally, with Pro Bowl tight end David Njoku facing a potential absence due to an ankle injury, the Browns added veteran Geoff Swaim to the practice squad. Jordan Akins sits on the roster behind Njoku, and Swaim will now add some additional experience and depth from the practice squad, if necessary.