Kevin King Returns to the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons have made a significant move by signing cornerback Kevin King, marking his return to the NFL after a two-year absence.
King brings with him five active seasons in the league from 2017-21, having been originally drafted by the Green Bay Packers out of Washington with a second-round pick. After completing his rookie contract, King and the Packers reached an agreement on a one-year deal in 2021.
In 2022, King made the decision to sit out the season for personal reasons. Unfortunately, he then faced another setback in 2023 when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon during an offseason workout while preparing for training camp. King shared his journey and challenges in a 21-minute YouTube video released on May 5, 2023.
During his time with the Packers, King appeared in 51 out of 81 regular-season games, starting 42. He accumulated 197 total tackles, along with a sack, three quarterback hits, and five tackles for loss. Additionally, he forced two fumbles, recovered two fumbles, intercepted seven passes, and broke up 30.
King’s standout season came in 2019, where he started 14 games out of 15 played. He recorded 66 total tackles, 15 pass breakups, five interceptions, a sack, and a forced fumble.
Upon his return to the NFL, King will reunite with familiar faces in Atlanta’s coaching staff. Falcons defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake previously coached King during his collegiate career at Washington. Furthermore, Falcons secondary coach Justin Hood worked with King during his time with the Packers, and Falcons assistant head coach/defense Jerry Gray was King’s position coach in Green Bay.