Dee Alford did not receive an RFA tender from the Falcons this offseason. That decision left the former undrafted free agent in line to join a new team, but instead he will remain in Atlanta for 2025. 
[RELATED: Falcons Likely To Prioritize Defensive Draft Additions]
The team announced on Monday that Alford has been re-signed. He has spent the past three years with Atlanta, taking on a larger defensive workload with each passing campaign. In 2024, Alford handled a snap share of 69%, a factor which made it somewhat surprising he was non-tendered. The least expensive RFA tender checked in at $3.26MM this offseason, so this pact will likely carry a price tag lower than that figure.
Alford made five starts in 2023 and another 11 this past campaign, operating almost entirely in the slot during that time. The 27-year-old set a new career high with 11 pass breakups in 2024, and his 83 tackles were by the most in his NFL tenure. Alford surrendered eight touchdowns in coverage as the nearest defender, however, and his PFF evaluation for 2024 was worse than that of the previous two campaigns.
As a result, a first-team spot is not assured entering training camp. Atlanta has 2023 fourth-rounder Clark Phillips in place as a candidate to handle starting duties on the inside. His playing time dropped last season compared to his rookie campaign, but a rebound could take place depending on how the summer unfolds. Alford has previously seen return duties, but aside from that he does not have a track record of special teams experience.
The Falcons already have A.J. Terrell on the books as their top perimeter corner, and they re-signed Mike Hughes on a three-year deal last month. Those two will continue to see time as boundary cover men, while Alford could once again find himself occupying a notable role in the slot.