Falcons release CB Alford


Reuters | Updated: 06-02-2019 09:47 IST | Created: 06-02-2019 09:47 IST
Falcons release CB Alford

The Atlanta Falcons released Robert Alford on Tuesday, confirming the move hours after the cornerback announced the transaction on Twitter. "We thank Robert for all that he brought to the team during his six seasons in Atlanta," Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said in a statement. "He was a significant contributor to our defense and we have a great deal of respect for him. We wish Robert all the best going forward."

Earlier Tuesday, Alford tweeted, "Thank you Atlanta for 6 incredible seasons. Sucks that it ended on this note. I enjoyed playing in this incredible city. Ima miss my dawgs but I'm excited for the next chapter. #TAT" Alford had 10 interceptions in 88 regular-season games (76 starts) over six seasons for the Falcons, who drafted him in the second round in 2013. He also had a more memorable interception in Super Bowl LI, when he picked off New England's Tom Brady and returned it 82 yards for a touchdown to give Atlanta a 21-0 lead in a game the Falcons eventually lost 34-28 in overtime.

In 2018, Alford didn't record an interception in 15 games while making 50 tackles. In addition, he was flagged for a team-high 12 penalties. Alford, 30, had two seasons remaining on a four-year, $38 million contract, which will leave $1.2 million in dead money on the cap in 2019. He was scheduled to make $8.5 million in each of the next two seasons.

Overall, Alford made 303 tackles for the Falcons. Atlanta figures to give cornerback Isaiah Oliver, a 2018 second-round pick, a larger role in 2019 after he started just two of 14 games as a rookie.

--Field Level Media

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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