Falcons give Ricardo Allen three-year extension

Two down, one to go.

The Falcons announced on Monday that have reached a three-year contract extension with safety Ricardo Allen. The deal is reportedly worth $19.5 million.

Allen is the second of the team’s stated three priorities for contract extension that included defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and left tackle Jake Matthews. Jarrett is now the only left without a new deal after Matthews agreed to an extension last week. Matthews agreed to a five-year, $75 million deal. Julio Jones had his contract restructured to avoid a holdout on the eve of training camp last month.

The 26-year-old Allen was a fifth-round selection in the 2014 NFL draft out of Purdue. He signed a $2.9 million restricted free agent tender in June.

Allen had a bumpy start to his career. He was cut and spent a season on the practice squad. He settled in nicely as the team’s starting free safety after a position switch under coach Dan Quinn.

In four seasons with the Falcons, Allen has played in 46 games and made 45 starts. He has six interceptions, 10 deflected passes, one fumble recovery and 158 tackles. Last season, Allen, who knows the intricacies of the defense, slid inside to play nickel back as the secondary was hit with injuries.

About the Author

KSU’s win streak fueled by strength of O-line. ‘It all starts up front.’

Kennesaw State has reached bowl eligibility for the first time in program history on the strength of an experienced and stout offensive line.

One of the top pass rushers in college football? He plays for Mercer

Coming off a year in which he was Southern Conference Freshman of the Year, Mercer's Andrew Zock is following it up by being among the FCS leaders in sacks, tackles for loss.