Ricardo Allen, the third-year free safety out of Purdue started all 16 games for the Atlanta Falcons in 2016. Allen was an integral part of a defensive unit that helped Atlanta reach their second Super Bowl in team history.
Signing the tender keeps him with the team on a one-year contract worth $525,000.
Ricardo Allen Signs Tender with Atlanta Falcons
Allen ranked third on the team in tackles with a combined total of 90 (61 solo, 29 assist) and trailed only Deion Lewis in interceptions with two. While the free safety did help anchor the defense, the NFC Champions ranked 25th overall in defense. This may have had something to do with being on the field so much opposite such a potent offense led by quarterback and NFL MVP, Matt Ryan.
Ball Hawk Pedigree
Allen was drafted in the fifth round of the 2014 draft. With four pick-six touchdowns by his Junior year at Purdue, he set the school record for interceptions for a touchdown in 2012, earning him a selection on the second team All-Big Ten Conference. He would finish his senior year with a six-interception campaign in 2013.
The exclusive-rights free agent (ERFA) can be tendered for $615,000 this upcoming season. Represented by Drew Rosenhaus, you can expect Allen is aligning himself for the big payday when this current contract expires.
Allen, in his short NFL career, has already taken on a leadership role with Atlanta. Despite being one of the best players on the defensive side of the ball, Allen continues to try and improve his game. His focus headed into 2017 will be that ability he demonstrated in college to create turnovers. Rekindling that knack for putting himself in better position for interceptions will not only help his team’s efforts, but also put him and Rosenhaus in a great position to cash in in the very near future.
Despite his relatively quiet regular season, Allen did record an interception in the NFC Championship, helping the Falcons make it to their second Super Bowl.
