With the rest of the NFL restructuring contracts and cutting players to make cap space, the Falcons have yet to create any cap space, but they have made their first substantial moves of the offseason.
According to Greg Auman, the Falcons won’t be tendering restricted free agents Dee Alford and Nate Landman contracts.
Alford has had a strange stint in Atlanta, going from the Canadian Football League to a regular starter for the Falcons, even surprising a few folks in 2023 with his play. However, that play dropped off in 2024. According to Pro Football Reference, he was targeted 62 times and gave up 39 receptions (62.9%) for 401 yards and three scores, good for a 97.6 passer rating in 2023. This past season, the Falcons’ nickel cornerback allowed 69 receptions on 92 targets for 640 yards and eight touchdowns.
Perhaps a change of coordinator could benefit Dee Alford. It seems like every member of the Falcons’ defense took a step back under Jimmy Lake. Alford shouldn’t be expected to assume a starting role in Atlanta for Jeff Ulbrich, but the cubbards are bare in the secondary.
The Falcons not only need a pair of starting cornerbacks, but they also need depth and Dee Alford won’t cost an arm and a leg. I wouldn’t be against bringing him back for depth purposes around a league minimum deal.
Landman actually took a similar path as Alford. As an undrafted free agent out of Colorado, he eventually earned his way to the active roster, and in the wake of a Troy Andersen injury in 2023, Landman thrived next to Kaden Elliss in Ryan Nielsen’s defense.
Unfortunately, like Alford, his play severely regressed in 2024 under Jimmy Lake. Landman will never be the most physically talented linebacker, which limits his ability to make impact plays. He’s nothing more than a two-down linebacker in this league, but as a depth piece, the Falcons could be interested in bringing him back as well.
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Photographer: John Adams/Icon Sportswire
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