After the selection of Avieon Terrell in this year’s draft, it could ramp up discussions surrounding Mike Hughes trade rumors before the 2026 regular season. Hughes, a former first-round pick, has been a dominant cornerback paired with AJ Terrell for two seasons in Atlanta. Unfortunately for him, he’s coming off a down year after he signed a contract extension last year for three more seasons. The cornerback’s current contract runs through 2027, after which he will become an unrestricted free agent after that year.
According to Logan Ulrich of NFL Trade Rumors, AJ’s brother is a favorite to replace Hughes in the starting lineup. The stakes are high for both cornerbacks, but with Hughes being on the older side, it’s easy to see why Avieon will likely win the job. He’s 21-years-old and is fresh coming out of college, so realistically has more to give. Meanwhile, the pressure is on the veteran to prove that he’s still a reliable starter.
Mike Hughes Trade Rumors: Top 3 Destinations for High-Priced Corner
Would the Falcons entertain a trade this offseason? They could. The team hired Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach, and after letting Darnell Mooney walk in free agency, there’s an obvious regime change. The veteran cornerback will be 31-years-old once he’s a free agent, which wouldn’t convince teams to trade for him if that’s the route the Falcons take.
The sooner the better to move on from the cornerback might be best. Atlanta could hold him for one more season, but why take the risk? The Falcons may start Avieon if he impresses in summer workouts, and even if he does, it wouldn’t merely mean Hughes’ time with the Falcons is over. However, the team should maybe consider this idea, especially with Jessie Bates entering the final year of his deal and possibly on the trade block himself, too.
Possible Landing Spots
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens haven’t made any major moves in the cornerback room other than drafting Chandler Rivers; there’s still some much-needed depth. Despite the team bringing back Chidobe Awuzie on a one-year deal, it was probably one of the worst ideas, and there’s no guarantee he will start. He’s too inconsistent, and when you have veteran Marlon Humphrey getting older, where is the support?
While they’ve done well for themselves in the safety room that’s completely stacked between Malaki Starks, Kyle Hamilton and now Jaylinn Hawkins, the Ravens should at least add a veteran cornerback. Hughes is no different from Humphrey, but it would make sense to have these two starting while it buys some time for Rivers to beat out Awuzie for the backup job.
Dallas Cowboys
Meanwhile, it’s been a highly productive offseason for the Dallas Cowboys when it comes to the secondary. After selecting Caleb Downs in the first round, exciting times are coming to the team. However, the Cowboys added Derion Kendrick and Cobie Durant for depth. While Durant could show potential, they need someone who’s already established. Last year, the Cowboys released Trevon Diggs due to inconsistencies and disconnecting himself from the team.
Hughes will have to battle it out with Shavon Revel Jr. and Durant for the starting role. The good news? Dallas wouldn’t need to worry about depth if they pull this trade off. Having the Falcons veteran involved could elevate the secondary, especially for the postseason.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs’ secondary room took a major hit this offseason, including losing Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to the Rams. While they’ve signed Alohi Gilman to make up for their losses, they also selected Mansoor Delane in the first round of this year’s draft. The Chiefs signed Kaiir Elam to a one-year deal for depth, but he probably won’t be a good fit to have behind Kristian Fulton and Nohl Williams.
Hughes could get the starting spot alongside Delane and help him establish himself as the new standout corner for Kansas City.
