In a major move, the Atlanta Falcons have secured cornerback A.J. Terrell for the next four years with a lucrative $81 million contract extension, $65.8 million of which is guaranteed. This makes Terrell the second-highest paid cornerback in NFL history.
There were doubts about Terrell’s future with the Falcons as he was previously set to play out his fifth-year option without a new contract in place. This extension solidifies his position with the team for the coming seasons.
Terrell is coming off a strong season where he showcased his skills with 11 passes defensed and a 74.6 PFF coverage grade, his best performance since his outstanding 2021 season when he was named a Second-Team All-Pro. Despite a lack of interceptions, Terrell has proven to be a reliable tackler and coverage player, establishing himself as Atlanta’s top cornerback.
The Falcons are banking on Terrell’s continued growth and are hopeful that he can replicate his standout 2021 season. With improvements in the defensive front and a strong safety duo in Jessie Bates and Justin Simmons, Terrell is expected to excel.
As the primary option in the cornerback room, Terrell will be relied upon to perform at a high level. With limited experienced options outside of Terrell, the team is counting on him to handle top receivers effectively. At just 25 years old, the Falcons have secured their top cornerback for the long term.
Terrell will continue to lead the cornerback group and his new contract may provide flexibility for Atlanta to make roster moves. The team could potentially restructure the contract to reduce his cap hit for the upcoming season, allowing for additional roster improvements.