With both starting safeties recovering from season-ending injuries, the Falcons signed some insurance Friday.

The Falcons signed Chris Cooper and Afolabi Laguda to two-year contracts.

Free safety Ricardo Allen (Achilles) and strong safety Keanu Neal (knee) both are trying to come back from injury.

The Falcons elected not to re-sign Jordan Richards, who took over for Neal, while defensive back Damontae Kazee, who took over for Allen, is slated to move to nickel back.

Laguda played at Colorado with Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver, who’s slated to take over at right cornerback for Robert Alford.

Laguda, is 6-foot-1 and 214 pounds, signed with the Rams as an undrafted free agent last season. He played at Brookwood High. He started his career at Butler (Kan.) Community College before playing at Colorado.

FALCONS SECONDARY

CB 20 Isaiah Oliver, 33 Blidi Wreh-Wilson

NCB 27 Damontae Kazee

CB 21 Desmond Trufant, 38 Taveze Calhoun

FS 37 Ricardo Allen, 41 Sharrod Neasman, Afolabi Laguda

SS 22 Keanu Neal, 40 Ryan Neal, Chris Cooper

Subscribe to "The Bow Tie Chronicles" podcast with the AJC's D. Orlando Ledbetter on iTunes or on the new AJC sports podcasts page.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro reacts after a play during the second half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

Corbin Spencer, right, field director of New Georgia Project and volunteer Rodney King, left, help Rueke Uyunwa register to vote. The influential group is shutting down after more than a decade. (Hyosub Shin/AJC 2017)

Credit: Hyosub Shin