ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons are apparently moving on from cornerback Robert Alford.
According to NFL Network insider Mike Garofalo, the Falcons have plans of purging Alford from the roster, before NFL free agency begins in mid-March.
As such, this salary-cap-related move would enable the 30-year-old Alford to latch on with another club, before the free-agent frenzy begins.
Alford inked a four-year, $38 million extension before the 2017 season. However, he likely won't see that money with the Falcons or another club, barring a surprise pickup directly off waivers.
Covering his first six seasons, Alford tallied 10 interceptions and 85 pass deflections – solid numbers, on paper.
But from an eye-test perspective this season, the second-rounder from 2013 (60th overall) consistently struggled with faster, quicker and more physical wideouts.
Highlighting one ugly sequence from the regular season: Alford committed a defensive holding penalty near the line of scrimmage (home vs. the Cowboys) ... and still got burned for a 25-yard reception downfield.
Excluding the presumptive savings with Alford's departure, the Falcons have roughly $13.4 million of salary-cap space for the upcoming free-agent period.
Up next on the depth chart: Atlanta might turn to Colorado defensive back Isaiah Oliver in Alford's stead.
Oliver has good size (6-foot-1, 220 pounds) and developing ball skills, even if that talent base didn't grade out well during his rookie campaign.
For this year's draft, the Falcons will have their full complement of picks (No. 14 overall in Round 1), barring trades.
Among the pressing needs: Offensive line, cornerback and defensive line depth.
