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Sept. 30 (UPI) -- The Atlanta Falcons, in desperate need of safety help, acquired veteran safety Johnathan Cyprien from the Philadelphia Eagles, the teams announced Monday. The Falcons traded linebacker Duke Riley and a 2020 sixth-round draft pick to the Eagles for Cyprien and a 2020 seventh-round selection, according to the teams.
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The 29-year-old Cyprien has started 70 career games across six seasons in the NFL, including four years as the Jacksonville Jaguars' starting strong safety. Known more as an in-the-box safety, he recorded 100-plus tackles in each of his first four seasons in the league.
Cyprien signed a one-year contract with the Eagles in August after playing one season with the Tennessee Titans in 2017. His role with the Eagles was limited to 15 total snaps as a reserve this year.
The Falcons lost Pro Bowl safety Keanu Neal to a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts. Neal underwent surgery last week and is expected to make a full recovery.
In Neal's absence, the Falcons needed help at the position, particularly with tackling and stopping the run.
Riley, a 2017 third-round draft pick, failed to carve out a role on defense after starting 10 games last season. He recorded 60 total tackles in 2018.
