The Atlanta Falcons signed cornerback Kevin King. While terms of the deal have not been disclosed, it’s an interesting signing because King hasn’t played since 2021, when he was still with the Green Bay Packers.

After the Packers selected him in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, King suited up for Green Bay until 2021. His best year came in 2019 when he had 56 tackles, 15 passes defended, five interceptions, a sack, and a forced fumble.

King skipped the 2022 season to get “healthy.” According to a September 2022 article by Pro Football Focus’ Doug Kyed, the defensive back dealt with a concussion, COVID-19, and hip, knee, and shoulder injuries in 2021.

After declaring himself ready to return in 2023, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon while preparing for NFL training camp. In five seasons with the Packers, King has 197 tackles, 30 passes defended, seven interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and a sack. He also has 20 tackles and two pass deflections in five postseason games.

Signing with the Falcons reunites King with defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, King’s defensive backs coach with the Washington Huskies from 2014 to 2016. Atlanta’s defensive backs coach, Justin Hood, was Green Bay’s defensive quality control coach from 2021 to 2023. Falcons assistant head coach Jerry Gray was the Packers’ defensive backs coach in 2020 before becoming passing game coordinator the following day.

If Kevin King makes the final roster, he will line up with fellow cornerbacks A.J. Terrell, Clark Phillips III, Mike Hughes, and Dee Alford.

-Lance Fernandez