FLOWERY BRANCH — Cornerback Dee Alford, who started 16 games over the past two seasons at nickel back, re-signed with the Falcons on Monday.

Alford played in 16 games and made 11 starts last season. He had 83 tackles, had 11 pass breakups and forced a fumble.

Alford, who played at Spalding High School and Tusculum, started his pro career in the Canadian Football League with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

He’ll compete with Clark Phillips III to earn his starting spot back.

Phillips, who was drafted in the third round (113th overall) in the 2023 NFL draft out of Utah, will get a shot to start at nickel back.

“Clark was outside,” Falcons coach Raheem Morris said recently at the league meetings. “We are going to give it a rip. I talked to Clark about it. That’s the cool part about talking to your players and coming up with real challenges and real things that you want to do this year.

“It’s something that you’ll definitely see when we start our OTAs. It’s something that he’s working on right now.”

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta Falcons linebacker Jalon Walker (11) works out during the final day of mandatory minicamp Wednesday in Flowery Branch. Walker’s infectious personality, as described by outside linebackers coach Jacquies Smith, was apparent during the option portion of practice. (Mike Stewart/AP)

Credit: AP

Featured

The Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival takes place Saturday beginning at The King Center and ending at Piedmont Park. Due to sponsorship difficulties, the event was shortened from three days to two this year. (Jenni Girtman for the AJC)

Credit: Jenni Girtman