The Atlanta Falcons pinned a key deal, announcing they had signed their cornerback, A.J. Terrell, to a four-year contract extension worth $81 million. Of that amount, $65.8 million was guaranteed, placing Terrell as the second-highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. This new contract secures the future of Terrell in Atlanta for the next couple of years.
A New Deal for Terrell
There had been question marks over the long-term future of Terrell with the Atlanta Falcons. This season was to be played under his fifth-year option, but those questions are now answered. That commitment from the Falcons to having Terrell at the core of their defense is now highly explicit. The $81 million contract is huge. Of that, $65.8 million is guaranteed. That’s the largest guarantee for any cornerback on a four-year deal.
Terrell is coming off a solid season, earning 11 passes defensed and a coverage grade of 74.6 from Pro Football Focus last year, both career bests since the standout 2021 season, in which he was named Second-Team All-Pro. While Terrell hasn’t picked off that many balls as of late, he has remained a sure tackler and quality coverage player.
The Trust of the Falcons in Terrell
They have a lot of faith in Terrell coming out of the Atlanta Falcons camp. They’re hoping he can return to his elite form from 2021, in which he had 16 passes defensed and three interceptions. With a revamped defensive front and the addition of Matthew Judon at EDGE, paired with Jessie Bates and Justin Simmons at safety, Terrell should be very well set up for success.
Terrell now is hands-down the leader in the cornerback room for the Falcons. Lacking high-end, proven options outside of him will make him pivotal in covering top opposing receivers. Opposite Terrell is Mike Hughes, who’s likely to start there, with Clark Phillips ready in case of a need to sub in.
Impact of the New Contract
The new contract offers flexibility for the Falcons. Terrell’s cap hit this season was supposed to be $12.34 million, but this deal allows them to restructure it down to roughly $3 million, freeing up about $9 million for other roster moves. This could be huge as that team builds its roster for the 2024 season. The Falcons did so well by extending Terrell because it kept them serious about building their defense. They can focus on other areas of improvement now that Terrell is locked up. His leadership and skills will be significant for the Falcons while they try to move up their defensive line.
A four-year deal worth $81 million for A.J. Terrell is imperative for the Atlanta Falcons. The extension gives them a guaranteed top cornerback for the coming years and flexibility to continue building their roster. With Terrell around, both in talent and leadership, the Falcons are better positioned to face the upcoming defensive challenges and be strong in the coming season.
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