Falcons sign former Chiefs and Colts DB Chris Cooper to two year pact

The Falcons have been on a workout and signing spree over the last week or so, adding Adrian Clayborn to their defensive line rotation, working out multiple defensive tackles and defensive backs, and signing safety Afolabi Laguda. Now they’ve added former Chief and Colt Chris Cooper to the mix.

Cooper, 25, is a Stony Brook product who overcame a lot just to make it to the NFL as an undrafted free agent. He’s spent time in Kansas City and Indianapolis but has yet to play in an NFL game. Cooper put up four interceptions in college and has solid size at 5’11” and 200 pounds, but I couldn’t tell you much about his game beyond that. We’ll get to learn a lot more when Dan Quinn comments on the signing and we see him practice this summer.

The Falcons clearly think enough of him to give him a two year contract, which is reason enough to believe they see him pushing hard for a roster spot over the summer. Right now, Atlanta is acting as though they don’t have an established backup at either safety spot, and Cooper would (based on his collegiate career and where he worked with Indy and KC) slot in at free safety.

The team seems intent on retaining flexibility in the draft, and the Cooper and Laguda (one year) signings are evidence of that. If all goes well, the Falcons will be able to have both compete with later round draft selection(s) and come away with a pair of strong backups, though it’s worth noting that Sharrod Neasman is still hanging around and should have a spot as well. Iron sharpens iron and all that.

Welcome to Atlanta, Chris Cooper!