{"id":777396,"date":"2026-02-26T11:18:33","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T11:18:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/777396\/"},"modified":"2026-02-26T11:18:33","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T11:18:33","slug":"khadarel-hodge-released-ahead-of-free-agency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/777396\/","title":{"rendered":"KhaDarel Hodge released ahead of free agency"},"content":{"rendered":"

Updated Feb. 25, 2026, 1:50 p.m. ET<\/p>\n

The Atlanta Falcons<\/a> are expected to release wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge, according to a report from NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Hodge has spent the last four seasons in Atlanta, serving as a third\/fourth wide receiver and special teams weapon.<\/p>\n

“The Falcons informed former Pro Bowl special-teamer KhaDarel Hodge that he will be released,” Schultz wrote on social media. The 31-year-old made the Pro Bowl in 2024 for his contributions on special teams.<\/p>\n

Hodge’s best moment came during a prime-time matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/a> in 2024. With the game tied at 30 in overtime, Hodge stepped in for an injured Drake London and hauled in a 45-yard touchdown to seal the 36-30 win.<\/p>\n

According to Over the Cap’s projections, the team will free up $2,640,000 by cutting Hodge, while incurring a dead cap hit of $625,000. Since the Falcons are currently listed with around $11 million, this would bump the team up to over $13 million.<\/p>\n

Over his four seasons in Atlanta, Hodge racked up 37 catches for 596 yards and two touchdowns. The veteran wide receiver played just 10 percent of the team’s offensive snap last season. We expect the Falcons to pretty much overhaul the wide receiver room this offseason.<\/p>\n

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a><\/p>\n

Wide receiver Darnell Mooney is also considered a cut candidate ahead of free agency. Check out our breakdown of seven potential free-agent wide receiver targets<\/a> for the Falcons in 2026.<\/p>\n

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