Atlanta Falcons are set at cornerback with Desmond Trufant extension

We were always pretty sure the Atlanta Falcons would bring back Desmond Trufant. Of course, we have been waiting for that news for months, and recently the team has been very, very, very, very loosely connected to Richard Sherman and a handful of first round cornerbacks. Instead of adding some new players, Thomas Dimitroff showed Trufant the money.

What does this mean for the Falcons cornerbacks, and the secondary in general? Many have forgotten that Trufant had been Atlanta’s best defender since his sophomore year, if not his rookie year. The competition for best defensive player got a lot tougher this last season, so his impact has been overlooked. The team had to keep Trufant. Good teams don’t just let great cornerbacks leave, especially when they are only 26.

Robert Alford started 2016 with maybe his worst stretch of play since entering the league, and finished up with easily his best stretch of play in his entire career. The 28 year-old was rewarded with a long-term deal. Alford may play more nickel, thanks to impressive play from the oversized and just-turned-24 Jalen Collins. Collins still has two more years on his rookie deal, and has the look of an elite playmaker on the outside.

Dan Quinn has been very successful coaching up undrafted players like Brian Poole and former wide receiver C.J. Goodwin. Both played an important role down the stretch, and the Falcons should see Akeem King returning this season.

The Falcons are set at corner. They have three clear starters, and a handful of cheap players that provide great depth. The oldest player here is Alford, meaning the team doesn’t even need to consider a big addition for years. The corners pair well with the young safeties Keanu Neal and Ricardo Allen. We expect some added competition at safety, but the Falcons don’t have to look at new corners for a long time. Sorry, Richard Sherman fans.