FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Atlanta Falcons and free agent safety Erik Coleman agreed to terms on a contract to bring the four -year veteran to Atlanta Saturday afternoon. The news became official when Coleman signed later in the evening.
Coleman spent the first four seasons of his career with the New York Jets after being drafted in the fifth round (143rd overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft. He has 373 tackles, two sacks and seven interceptions in his career.
In Coleman’s rookie season in 2004, the Washington State alum totaled 88 tackles, two sacks, four interceptions and 12 passes defensed. He made his debut at safety in Week 1 against Cincinnati and earned AFC Rookie Defensive Player of the Week honors after intercepting quarterback Carson Palmer with 1:51 remaining in the game to preserve a 31-24 victory. Following a Week 2 interception against quarterback Drew Brees and the San Diego Chargers, Coleman became the first Jets rookie to record an interception in his first two games en route to earning AFC Rookie Defensive Player of the Month honors in September.
In 2005, Coleman notched his highest tackle total (116) while contributing with two interceptions and seven passes defensed. The following season he tallied 93 stops, one interception and four passes defensed. He led the team with 10 tackles in an AFC Wild Card Playoff Game loss at New England while intercepting a Tom Brady pass for his only pick of the year. Last season, Coleman saw action in 15 games while contributing with 41 tackles.
At Washington State, Coleman started in 32 of 45 games, tallying 234 tackles, 12 interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), one sack, three fumble recoveries, four forced fumbles and 21 passes defensed for the Cougars. He also returned 25 kickoffs for 556 yards (22.2 avg.) and 15 punts for 102 yards and one touchdown.
A native of Spokane, Washington, Coleman earned three letters in football as a running back, defensive back and kickoff returner for Lewis and Clark High School. He also earned all-league first-team honors on both offense and defense.
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