Falcons to sign free agent CB, former Packers second-round pick

NFL: NOV 07 Packers at Chiefs

Ahead of the NFL Draft, the Falcons are still bolstering the defense, which is a good thing. On Monday, the team announced they are signing former Packers second-round pick Kevin King.

King comes to Atlanta after joining Green Bay through the 2017 NFL Draft, which is where he spent five years of his career. His best season came in 2019 when he put up five interceptions to go along with 15 pass breakups.

Following his rookie deal, the Washington product inked a one-year deal to stay with the Packers but has been out of football since then. In 2022, he sat out for personal reasons and then missed last year’s season following a torn Achilles that he suffered working out in the offseason.

The deal makes sense because there are multiple connections to the Falcons’ coaching staff. He worked with Jerry Gray and Justin Hood in Green Bay while also playing under Jimmy Lake at Washington. Atlanta is familiar with him.

The Falcons signed Antonio Hamilton last week to bolster the cornerback room, and Kevin King will do the same. However, both aren’t exactly inspiring options to start opposite of A.J. Terrell.

Both have plenty of experience starting in the NFL, but it’s still not what a team with championship aspirations should be putting their faith in. Hamilton shouldn’t be seen as anything more than a depth piece, while King hasn’t played an NFL snap in two seasons and wasn’t given a third contract by the Packers for a reason.

It’s a whole lot of hope and prayers on the Atlanta Falcons defense right now. For a team that is in win-now mode with Kirk Cousins, that’s a bit reckless. The staff must be high on Clark Phillips, Dee Alford, and Mike Hughes, but I’m not so sure that’s a great plan either.

Photographer: Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire
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