One of the better stories of the Atlanta Falcons' 2024 season was the return of veteran corner Kevin King. After sitting out of the league for two seasons, the veteran attempted a comeback with a team desperate to find depth at the position. Things went far better than expected, not only with King making the final roster but also working his way into a contributing role. While the veteran was far from a starting option, it was a productive enough stint to give the Falcons reason to bring the former Packer back for a second season.
However, after the addition of Atlanta's 2025 rookie class, it is going to be an uphill battle to make the roster.
If the season started today, A.J. Terrell, Billy Bowman, and Mike Hughes are likely your starting corners. This leaves Jessie Bates and Xavier Watts at safety and holding down the back end of Atlanta's defense. Looking at the rest of the depth chart, it is safe to assume Clark Phillips, Dee Alford, and Cobee Bryant will all have an advantage over King when attempting to win a depth spot. This isn't taking into account Natrone Brooks, Keith Taylor, or Mike Ford.
Kevin King's Falcons Tenure Could Be Reaching an End
This isn't to argue that these names are going to be contributors or stars for the Falcons. Rather, when considering value on special teams and contract price, it is clear what a battle King will be facing to make Atlanta's final roster for a second straight season. The Falcons have veteran safety Jordan Fuller joining the roster as well as DeMarcco Hellams returning from a 2024 injury. There are so many pieces in the secondary that the Falcons have more invested in than the former Packers starter.
With this in mind, it wouldn't be at all surprising not to see King return for a second season in Atlanta despite his solid Falcons debut. The thought is that the team would be wiser to go with less proven options that offer higher upside. Even if they don't offer more upside, as is the case with Ford or Taylor, there is obvious special-teams value.
It is this path that King must continue to battle as the Falcons look to rebuild a struggling defensive unit. An exciting rookie class and improved health give the team every reason to believe it will turn the corner, and suggest that King's roster spot is unquestionably in trouble.