Falcons Acquire Safety Johnathan Cyprien from Eagles

Johnathan Cyprien during his time with the Jags. Photo by Romeo Guzman/CSM/REX/Shutterstock

Atlanta Falcons decided to address the lack of depth at the safety position and have acquired Johnathan Cyprien from Philadelphia Eagles. The team confirmed the deal on Monday.

As part of the trade, Falcons sent linebacker Duke Riley and a 2020 sixth-round draft pick to Philly, while receiving Cyprien and a seventh-rounder.

Cyprien, who was a second-round pick in 2013, played with Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans before joining Eagles on a one-year deal in August. The 29-year-old hasn’t seen much action in the first three games of the season but ended up playing 12 snaps in Thursday’s win over Green Bay Packers.

During his time in the NFL, Cyprien started 70 games while contributing with 511 tackles, 3.0 sacks, and two interceptions.

Riley, on the other side, was Falcons’ third-round pick in 2017. He was primarily used in special teams so far in the season, although he started 10 games in 2018. His career stats include 90 tackles as two passes defended.

Falcons found themselves in need of another safety following Keanu Neal’s Achilles tendon injury in Week 3 against Indianapolis Colts. Neal was forced to undergo surgery and will be out for the rest of the season.