Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach seems to have a type of player he jumps on: former highly-touted prospects whose first team are moving on from them. For proverbial pennies on the dollar, Veach often brings in former first-round selections like Taco Charlton and Deandre Baker. While these players may not live up to their former billing, they still contribute more often than not. Cornerback Mike Hughes exemplified this perfectly.
Hughes, the former Minnesota Viking, came to Kansas City via trade in May 2021. The Vikings sent Hughes and a 2022 seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2022 sixth-round selection from Kansas City. That is a far fall for Hughes, who Minnesota selected 30th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.
The Chiefs had an interest in the Central Florida prospect leading up to that 2018 draft. They attended UCF’s pro day and brought him in for a top-30 visit.
Will Mike Hughes remain in Kansas City, or is he a one-and-done player?
Hughes went 16 spots before Kansas City’s top selection that draft, but that may have been a blessing. In three seasons in Minnesota, Hughes only played in 24 games with subpar performance. On 113 targets, Hughes allowed 67.6% completion and a 107.4 passer rating. This performance, as well as more options at cornerback, made moving Hughes an easy decision for Minnesota. The Chiefs took a chance, betting on his potential to emerge yet again.
Hughes’ rookie deal is now done, with his $1.8 million cap hit off the books. Every cent counts, but Hughes plays a position Kansas City desperately needs to replenish bodies. Will Veach and company break the mold and keep Hughes in Kansas City? Or will another team continue to roll the dice with a big contract?