James Hudson

James Hudson III Bio

James Hudson III is an American professional football offensive tackle who currently plays for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). Born in Toledo, Ohio, Hudson began his collegiate career at the University of Michigan before transferring to the University of Cincinnati, where he developed into a first-team All-American Athletic Conference selection. The Cleveland Browns drafted Hudson in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and he has since built a solid professional career spanning multiple NFL teams. Hudson signed with the New York Giants in 2025 before joining the Patriots in 2026.

Early Life and Background

James Hudson III was born on May 13, 1999, in Toledo, Ohio. He attended Central Catholic High School in Toledo, where he established himself as a promising football prospect. Hudson’s size and athleticism made him a notable figure during his high school career, setting the foundation for his transition to collegiate football. His upbringing in Ohio provided early exposure to the sport’s rich football culture in the region.

Path to the NFL

Hudson began his college football career at the University of Michigan in 2017. During his true freshman season, he redshirted while transitioning from defensive line to offensive tackle, a move that would define his professional trajectory. He appeared in only three games as a redshirt freshman before deciding to transfer from the Michigan program at the end of the 2018 season. Following his transfer to the University of Cincinnati, Hudson sat out his first season with the Bearcats per NCAA transfer rules after a waiver to play immediately was denied. He returned to form in 2020, starting all 11 games and earning first-team All-American Athletic Conference honors. After his standout redshirt junior season, Hudson declared for the 2021 NFL Draft, forgoing his remaining collegiate eligibility.

James Hudson III Career

Cleveland Browns (2021–2024)

On May 1, 2021, the Cleveland Browns selected James Hudson III in the fourth round of the NFL Draft with the 110th overall pick. The Browns had acquired this selection through a trade that sent Genard Avery to the Philadelphia Eagles. Hudson signed his four-year rookie contract worth $4.16 million on May 18, 2021. During his time with the Browns, Hudson developed as an offensive tackle and contributed to the team’s offensive line rotation. He appeared in 57 games across his professional career through Week 15 of the 2025 season, starting 19 of those contests. His tenure in Cleveland provided valuable experience in the NFL, where he refined his technique and adjusted to professional-level competition.

New York Giants (2025)

On March 13, 2025, Hudson signed a two-year contract with the New York Giants. The move marked a new chapter in his professional career as he joined a different AFC East rival. During his debut with the Giants, Hudson faced immediate challenges. In the week two game against the Dallas Cowboys on September 14, 2025, he committed four fouls in six plays during the first drive, incurring two false start penalties and two unnecessary roughness personal fouls. These penalties cost the Giants 40 yards and resulted in Hudson being benched in favor of Marcus Mbow. Hudson had been starting in place of the injured Andrew Thomas, who was unavailable for that contest.

New England Patriots (2026–Present)

On March 6, 2026, the Giants released Hudson. Less than three weeks later, on March 23, 2026, Hudson signed a one-year contract worth $1.4 million with the New England Patriots. The move to New England provided Hudson with an opportunity to continue his NFL career with the Patriots organization. As of his Patriots tenure, Hudson brings his experience of 57 career games played and 19 starts to the Patriots’ offensive line depth chart.

Playing Style and Strengths

James Hudson III plays the offensive tackle position, utilizing his 6-foot-5-inch frame and 313-pound build to protect the quarterback’s blind side. His transition from defensive line to offensive tackle during his Michigan career demonstrates his versatility and adaptability. At Cincinnati, he showcased his ability to handle starting duties by playing all 11 games in his redshirt junior season, earning first-team All-AAC recognition. His professional experience across multiple teams has allowed him to develop as a reliable option at the tackle position in the NFL.

Notable Events and Milestones

Hudson’s career milestones include his fourth-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, which validated his development following his position change. His first-team All-American Athletic Conference selection in 2020 at Cincinnati stands as his most significant collegiate achievement. During his rookie contract with Cleveland, he appeared in numerous games while developing within a professional organization. His 2025 season with the Giants included memorable moments, particularly the challenging week two performance against Dallas that drew league-wide attention. His recent signing with the Patriots in 2026 marks his third NFL franchise.

James Hudson III Career Statistics

Throughout his NFL career, Hudson has accumulated substantial playing time across multiple seasons with the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants. His professional statistics reflect his role as a developmental offensive tackle who has earned starting opportunities.

NFL Career Summary

Hudson’s professional statistics through Week 15 of the 2025 season show 57 games played with 19 starts. His career began with the Cleveland Browns, where he spent four seasons developing and eventually earning a starting role. The transition to the Giants in 2025 presented new challenges, though Hudson continued to contribute at the professional level. His move to the Patriots in 2026 demonstrates his continued value as an experienced offensive lineman in the league.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season represented a transitional year for James Hudson III as he joined the New York Giants following four seasons with the Cleveland Browns. His signing in March 2025 positioned him as a potential solution for the Giants’ offensive line depth, particularly with starting left tackle Andrew Thomas dealing with injuries. Hudson’s performance in training camp and the preseason earned him the starting role during Thomas’s absence. However, the week two matchup against the Dallas Cowboys proved challenging, as Hudson’s penalties disrupted the Giants’ opening drive and led to a benching. This difficult game highlighted the adjustments required when adapting to a new team and defensive schemes. Despite this setback, Hudson continued to work with the Giants’ coaching staff throughout the season. His release in March 2026 concluded his brief tenure with the organization, and his subsequent signing with the New England Patriots demonstrated his continued pursuit of opportunities in the NFL. The 2025 campaign underscored the competitive nature of professional football, where players must consistently perform at high levels to maintain their positions on NFL rosters.