Terry Fontenot quietly put struggling Falcons' veteran back on the chopping block
After the Atlanta Falcons signed A.J. Woods to the practice squad on Tuesday afternoon, it spelled trouble regarding Mike Hughes' future in Atlanta. The Falcons have a surplus of reliable players in their secondary, but after starting the season strong, Hughes has been viscerally terrible as of late.
In the Week 8 loss to the Dolphins, Hughes surrendered four receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown, as he was the defender in coverage on Jaylen Waddle's 43-yard touchdown in the third quarter, Additionally, he allowed a season-high 17.8 yards per reception in Sunday's 34-10 defeat.
The UCF product was quietly one of Atlanta's best cornerbacks in 2024, but 2025 has told a different story. Dee Alford has been out-playing him to the point where when Billy Bowman Jr. returns from his hamstring injury, it wouldn't be surprising to see Hughes be pulled from the starting lineup altogether.
Mike Hughes is reaching a pivotal point in his time with the Falcons
Something worth noting is that the former first-round pick signed a three-year, $18 million extension to remain in Atlanta through 2028 this offseason. It would be a shock to see the team cut him, but with less than a week until the trade deadline, a trade could be more likely.
There is a glaring need for cornerbacks across the NFL, so it's not like Terry Fontenot won't have suitors. However, it's worth considering if shedding Hughes' salary is worth a measly Day 3 pick swap. As bad as he's been, at least he could provide Jeff Ulbrich's defense with a trusted depth piece.
Woods was a 2024 undrafted free agent who has enjoyed stints in Washington, Philadelphia, and Denver before landing with the Dirty Birds. With Bowman still banged up, Alford, Natrone Brooks, and Mike Ford Jr. saw more work from the nickel, but the Pitt product could soon make his NFL debut.
Over the last three weeks, Hughes has been getting thrown at far more frequently. The 28-year-old has given up 12 receptions on a staggering 23 targets since Week 6 against the Bills—and even A.J. Terrell's return hasn't done much to help him return to his 2024 self.
Due to his versatility and ability to play both in the nickel and operate as an outside corner, it would be no surprise if Hughes gets traded. The North Carolina native will almost certainly remain a Falcon after Tuesday afternoon, but he's on the wrong side of the secondary depth chart.
Cubs Urged to Trade for, Pay Orioles All-Star After Kyle Tucker Leaves
The Chicago Cubs could have a busy offseason ahead. Kyle Tucker is hitting the open market, and if the Cubs lose him, they may need to make some moves to replace his production.
Tucker is expected to sign a lucrative contract that could reach north of $400 million in total value. If the Cubs are unwilling to go that high, the team could spend elsewhere. FanSided’s Chris Landers urged the Cubs to acquire and pay Baltimore Orioles All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman.
“The Cubs have the luxury of being just about locked in at every position on the diamond - except, that is, for catcher, where Carson Kelly started off strong before disappearing down the stretch this season,” wrote Landers. “It’s a spot crying out for an upgrade this offseason, and while the free-agent market is thin on impact names (outside a declining JT Realmuto), the trade market features one heck of a buy-low opportunity in Rutschman.”
Tucker had an .841 OPS and 22 home runs in what was considered a down year. The Cubs will have to find a way to replace that production, and the catcher position could use an upgrade. Carson Kelly posted a .761 OPS and had a solid season. However, Rutschman is a two-time All-Star and a Silver Slugger.
He had a down year this year and dealt with injuries. Additionally, the Orioles gave catcher Samuel Basallo a contract extension. After committing to an eight-year, $67 million extension with Basallo, Rutschman’s future may be in doubt. He did not have his best year, but he still has the potential to be an elite player. The Cubs could ink him to an extension while the price tag is low.
