In what is not a surprise move, the Falcons released cornerback Robert Alford, he announced on Twitter.
“Thank you Atlanta for (six) incredible seasons, “ Alford said. “Sucks that it ended on this note. I enjoyed playing in this incredible city. (I’m going to) miss my dawgs, but I’m excited for the next chapter.”
He was set to make $8.5 million in 2019. The Falcons will take a $1.2 million cap hit with Alford’s release, but create $7.9 million in cap space.
Alford’s agent later confirmed the released.
“We thank Robert for all that he brought to the team during his six seasons in Atlanta,” general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “He was a significate contributor to our defense and we have a great deal of respect for him. We wish Robert all the best going forward.”
The current regime has been trying to replace him since they arrived and drafted Jalen Collins in the second round of the 2015 draft.
Collins was repeatedly suspended and was released by the team in 2017. He started in Super Bowl LI.
The Falcons want a bigger cornerback who doesn’t commit as many penalties as Alford, who led the team with 12 penalties last season.
Cornerback Isaiah Oliver, who was drafted in the second round last season, appears to be heir apparent at right cornerback.
Damontae Kazee, who played free safety last season for the injured Ricardo Allen, will get a shot to unseat Brian Poole at nickel back.
Alford, who was drafted in the second round of the 2013 draft, started 88 games and had 10 interceptions.
He returned an interception of New England’s Tom Brady for a touchdown in Super Bowl LI.
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