Ron Parker finds a new home with the Atlanta Falcons
By Matt Conner
Ron Parker has a new home with the Atlanta Falcons on a one-year deal after being released by the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason.
Several former members of the Kansas City Chiefs have found their next home with the Atlanta Falcons, and it looks like the recent streak will continue with news that Ron Parker has signed a one-year deal to play in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2018.
Parker was rumored to be on the roster bubble this offseason despite still being a solid player in 2017. Certainly it was not the best year for the veteran safety, yet he still locked down a starting role in a secondary that lacked a clear starter at one outside cornerback slot and suffered the loss of Eric Berry for the season. It’s a good reminder that no one looked particularly good for the Chiefs defensive backs last year.
Still the Chiefs decided to release Parker earlier this offseason and replace him with a spirited competition between Eric Murray and rookie Armani Watts, the team’s fourth round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Parker was a gem of a find for former general manager John Dorsey in 2013, who claimed Parker off of waivers from the Seattle Seahawks. Parker played so well for the Chiefs as a versatile defensive back in sub packages and on special teams that Dorsey offered him a five-year extension worth $25. Three years into that deal, however, and Parker’s cost, value and age had finally reached a tipping point for new GM Brett Veach.
Given the number of quality safeties still on the open market, it’s nice to see Parker get some attention because he deserves a chance to play in 2018 without a doubt. Keanu Neal is the team’s starting free safety, but Parker has played both safety spots and nickel corner as well with the Chiefs over time, so it’s likely that he will play a valuable role in several slots providing quality and a cushion in case of injury as well.
Next: Who will be the Chiefs backup RBs?
In his five years with the Chiefs, Parker played in 80 games, starting 64 of them, and put up 318 total tackles. He also rang up 9 interceptions, 5 forced fumbles, 7 sacks and 5 fumble recoveries.