The Atlanta Falcons continue to be movers and shakers ahead of the 2024 NFL season. This time, they locked down one of their own studs.
The Falcons agreed to terms with cornerback A.J. Terrell on a four-year, $81 million contract extension, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday, per a source informed of the deal. The team has since announced Terrell's extension.
The pact includes $65.8 million effectively fully guaranteed, making Terrell the second-highest paid CB in NFL history, per Rapoport.
Set to play on his fifth-year rookie option, worth $12.34 million, Terrell dismissed any concerns about his future in Atlanta when asked about his contract situation last month. Now we know why. The payday was barreling down the pike.
The physical corner has developed into one of the best cover men in the NFL during his four seasons in Atlanta. Terrell is a shadow corner who regularly matches up with No. 1 receivers across the formation.
A second-team All-Pro in 2021, Terrell has compiled 247 tackles, 43 passes defensed, four interceptions and one sack in four seasons.
Surprisingly never voted to the Pro Bowl, Terrell's lack of interceptions (zero the past two seasons) likely keeps him off the national radar, but that belies his impact. The 25-year-old is the straw that stirs the drink in the Falcons' secondary. His ability to follow top targets is rare in today's game. That skill might lead to some yards given up, but Terrell has shown the talent to make plays in key moments.
In the first year under Raheem Morris, the Falcons could have played out the campaign, seeing how the corner fits into the scheme. Instead, they locked him down through the 2028 season.
It's the latest big offseason move for the Falcons, who traded for edge rusher Matt Judon and signed safety Justin Simmons in the past week.
