The Atlanta Falcons are turning the page, and so is Raheem Morris. After missing out on the Cardinals' head coaching job, Morris is heading back to the Bay Area, taking over as the 49ers’ new defensive coordinator. He reunites with Kyle Shanahan, a familiar face from their Falcons days, and he’s bringing more than just his Super Bowl-winning pedigree-he could be bringing some of his former players with him, too.
One name that’s starting to surface in that conversation: Dee Alford.
Alford quietly had one of the most underrated seasons in Atlanta’s secondary in 2025. With injuries sidelining both Mike Hughes and rookie Billy Bowman Jr., Alford stepped in and didn’t just hold his own-he thrived.
He led the team with 13 passes defensed and picked off three passes, second only to Xavier Watts on the roster. His biggest moment?
A clutch, game-sealing interception in Week 18 to shut the door on the Saints. That play alone may have saved the Falcons’ season-and possibly cemented Alford’s next contract.
At 28, Alford is no longer a developmental prospect. He’s a proven contributor who’s shown he can play both inside and outside, though he’s most effective in the nickel.
That kind of versatility makes him especially valuable in today’s NFL, where hybrid coverages and sub-packages dominate defensive schemes. For a 49ers team that’s looking to reinforce its secondary-and for a DC who knows exactly what he’s getting in Alford-this could be a natural fit.
The Falcons, meanwhile, are in a bit of a numbers crunch. With Hughes and Bowman expected to return healthy by Week 1, Alford would likely be pushed back into a depth role.
That’s not a knock on his talent-it’s just the reality of a crowded cornerback room. And when you factor in his projected market value, which could approach $6 million annually, it’s hard to justify that kind of investment for a backup when the team has bigger financial priorities.
Atlanta needs to focus on retaining key pieces like Kyle Pitts and Kaden Elliss, while also preparing for upcoming negotiations with young stars Bijan Robinson and Drake London. That puts GM Ian Cunningham in a tough spot. Alford’s performance deserves recognition-and a payday-but the Falcons may not be the team to give it to him.
San Francisco, on the other hand, could be a perfect landing spot. Rookie Upton Stout showed promise at nickel, but Alford brings experience and flexibility. He’s not limited to the slot, and in a system like Morris’-which thrives on disguise, aggression, and matchup versatility-Alford could be a seamless plug-and-play piece.
There’s no question the Falcons would love to keep a player like Alford around. But when you connect the dots-his breakout year, his fit in Morris’ system, and the Falcons’ cap situation-it’s easy to see how this one might play out. The Georgia native could be California-bound once free agency opens.
And if that’s the case, it’s a win-win. Alford gets a fresh start with a coach who believes in him, and the 49ers get a savvy, battle-tested corner who knows how to make plays when it counts.