Sources: Falcons to sign safety Ron Parker
The Atlanta Falcons are adding veteran depth to their secondary as they are expected to sign safety Ron Parker, sources told Yahoo Sports.
Parker, 30, was released this offseason by the Kansas City Chiefs after starting 62 of 64 possible regular-season games the last four years. The 6-foot, 206-pounder has averaged 65 tackles per season since 2014, recording 40 passes defensed and seven interceptions.
During his time with the Chiefs, Parker was at his best when allowed to play in coverage, either as a corner or deep safety. He also grew into a respected locker room presence and team spokesman, particularly last season, when star safety Eric Berry suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in the season opener.
Parker recorded 67 tackles, four passes defensed and two interceptions in 2017, but his best season with the Chiefs came in 2015, when he had 78 tackles, 12 passes defensed, three interceptions and five sacks.
With the Falcons, Parker joins a team that returns both of its starting safeties, Ricardo Allen and Keanu Neal. But Parker has experience as a corner, as well, and provides veteran depth in a league that is increasingly pass-happy.
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