Falcons sign fourth-year corner Robert Alford to four-year extension

The Atlanta Falcons have locked up one of their young defenders, announcing on Thursday they have signed fourth-year cornerback Robert Alford to a four-year extension.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the deal was worth a total of $38 million, with $21 million guaranteed.

Alford has been the Falcons’ top corner since fellow 2013 draftee Desmond Trufant, a Pro Bowler last year, was lost for the season to a torn pec in Week 9. The Falcons picked up the fifth-year option on Trufant’s contract last April.

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The 60th overall pick in 2013, out of Southeastern Louisiana, Alford has started all 12 games for Atlanta this season. He has 12 pass breakups and two interceptions, both of them in the Week 4 win over Carolina, one he returned for a touchdown. For his career, Alford has played in 53 games with 41 starts and nine interceptions.