The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Falcons’ signing of cornerback Darqueze Dennard official,
The Falcons on Monday signed veteran cornerback Darqueze Dennard, who will compete for a starting position in the secondary.
After agreeing to terms, Dennard had to pass three COVID-19 tests before the deal became official.
The Falcons are young at cornerback and were looking at the late free-agent market. Cornerbacks Logan Ryan, Trumaine Johnson and Dennard all were available.
Dennard, 28, of Twiggs County, was a first-round draft pick (24th overall) of the Bengals in 2014. The Falcons now have 18 first-round draft picks on the roster.
Before the deal was finalized, Dennard, who resides in Atlanta, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he was looking forward to playing in his home state.
Dennard has played in 77 NFL games and made 24 starts, with three career interceptions. Dennard was the 22nd-highest graded cornerback in the league last season, according to Pro Football Focus.
He agreed to terms with the Jaguars on a three-year, $13.5 million contract that was to pay him $6 million guaranteed, but the deal collapsed, which was why he cautious about discussing the pending deal with the Falcons.
Dennard will allow the Falcons to move Kendall Sheffield outside. The Falcons allowed starting left cornerback Desmond Trufant to leave in free agency. He signed with the Lions.
The Falcons can have Sheffield, third-year man Isaiah Oliver and rookie A.J. Terrell compete for the starting outside positions.