Jeff Okudah is making his way back to the NFC North.
The Minnesota Vikings are set to sign the former No. 3 overall selection of the Detroit Lions from the 2020 NFL Draft to a one-year deal, as reported by various sources. Okudah, 26, is now preparing to play for one of his old team’s major adversaries.
This offseason, the Vikings have bolstered their defense by adding defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave among other signings. Okudah is the newest member of a cornerback group featuring Byron Murphy, who signed a three-year, $66 million contract extension this offseason.
Okudah joined the league with Detroit and played three seasons with the team. Following a rollercoaster initial season where he faced injuries, he endured a season-ending torn Achilles during the first match of his sophomore year.
The Ohio State graduate came back for the 2022 season and began 15 games, but was traded to Atlanta before the 2023 season. During his time with the Lions, Okudah took part in 25 games and made 22 starts. He made 124 tackles, six of which were for loss, along with two interceptions and one touchdown.
He dedicated a year to the Falcons before joining the Houston Texans in the previous offseason. Okudah participated in six games last season in Houston, making nine tackles and defending one pass. He is now joining the Vikings in their quest to unseat the Lions for the NFC North championship. Detroit has secured consecutive division championships.
Shane Zylstra is back in Detroit.
The Lions have re-signed tight end Shane Zylstra, based on information from his agency. Zylstra was not offered a restricted free agent contract before.
Zylstra comes back to a tight end group that includes Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, and newly signed free agent Kenny Yeboah. Throughout his career, Zylstra has played in 29 games for Detroit since the 2021 season.
Last year, Zylstra recorded one catch for 22 yards over 12 games. Throughout his career, he has made 15 receptions totaling 116 yards and scored four touchdowns.
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