Former Falcons safety Jordan Richards signed with the Raiders on Friday, per their team website. Richards was traded to Atlanta by the Patriots just before the 2018 season. The Falcons sent a conditional 2020 draft pick back to New England in exchange. The deal could have gone better for Atlanta. Richards was called up to play significant snaps after starting strong safety Keanu Neal’s season-ending ACL injury and did not perform particularly well.
Richards played 428 defensive snaps, totaling 27 solo tackles and three pass breakups. He split time with Sharron Neasman, who did a better job when he was on the field for his 434 defensive snaps. For the season, Pro Football Focus ranked Richards No. 62 at the safety position and Neasman No. 48.
In Oakland or Las Vegas or wherever the Raiders wind up playing, Richards will likely compete with Dallin Leavitt for playing time behind Karl Joseph.
Meanwhile, Atlanta’s depth behind Neal at that spot could use some work. Looking ahead, the Falcons are most likely going to bring in another backup strong safety prospect in the draft.
