Ricardo Allen rumors: Top 3 landing spots

After four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, safety Ricardo Allen is on the market and should have a solid group of suitors for his services.

Ricardo Allen was within minutes of earning a Super Bowl ring with the Atlanta Falcons. Now, only a little over a year later, he’s searching for the next team to help bring over the finish line. Allen, 26, is hitting free agency for the first time after he rookie deal expired in Atlanta.

After not appearing in a game as a rookie, Allen has played in at least 15 games over the past three seasons, notching six interceptions. The former fifth-round pick out of Purdue has proven a quality piece on the back end, only getting out of Atlanta because the Falcons are tight up against the cap.

Best fits

1. San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco has Kyle Shanahan running the show, making him familiar with Allen going back to their shared Atlanta days. In addition, the 49ers desperately need some help in the secondary, perhaps the weakest position group on the team. San Francisco should be looking for young talent, and Allen fits the bill.

2. Washington Redskins

The Redskins need to get more talented and youthful in the secondary. Allen would immediately upgrade the situation in the nation’s capital, giving the defense a quick piece to utilize on the back end. After losing Kyle Fuller in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs, Allen’s signing helps to stabilize the situation.

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3. Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City is in desperate need for safety help. After releasing Ron Parker, the Chiefs need to beef up the position group, especially with strong safety Eric Berry coming off a torn Achilles tendon at 29 years old. Allen would give some versatility to Kansas City, which plays more three-safety looks than any other team in football.