HAMMOND – New Orleans native and former Southeastern Louisiana University offensive lineman Kevin Hughes signed a free agent deal Tuesday with the NFL's St. Louis Rams.

Hughes, who played at Karr High School before concluding his prep career at Amite after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Hughes, who finished his career last season for the Lions, started 35 consecutive games including 22 at left tackle. The 6-foot-5 Hughes earned second-team All-Southland Conference and All-Louisiana honors in 2010 after grading at 80 percent or better in nine of 11 games for Southeastern. He had 47 knockdowns while allowing two sacks in 434 passing attempts on the season.

Hughes will be on hand beginning Thursday when the Rams open training camp at the Russell Training Center in Earth City, Mo. The Rams will open their preseason schedule at the Edward Jones Dome on Aug. 14 against the Minnesota Vikings.