The Atlanta Falcons locked up one of their best players on Thursday morning, signing cornerback A.J. Terrell to a four-year, $81 million extension with $65.8 million guaranteed, according to multiple reports.
The 25-year-old was selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft out of Clemson. While many criticized the Falcons for drafting Terrell at the time, he’s been one of their most consistent defensive players over the last four seasons. Terrell has started 61 games and recorded 43 passes defended, four interceptions and four forced fumbles.
Terrell’s contract has the largest guarantee ever for a cornerback on a four-year deal, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Sources: The #Falcons and CB AJ Terrell agreed on a 4-year extension worth $81M with $65.8M effectively fully guaranteed — 2nd highest paid CB ever.
The deal negotiated by @DavidMulugheta and Trevon Smith of @AthletesFirst has the largest guarantee ever for a CB on a 4-yr deal. pic.twitter.com/vWzr3N2Ss7
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 22, 2024
The Falcons have solidified three of their four starting secondary spots over the last two offseasons. In 2023, the team signed safety Jessie Bates III to a four-year, $64 million deal. Then last week, the Falcons signed Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons to a one-year, $8 million contract and swung a trade for outside linebacker Matthew Judon.
With Terrell’s contract now locked up, the team has a clear identity on defense under head coach Raheem Morris. The Falcons offense should be much improved with quarterback Kirk Cousins leading the way and now the defense has playmakers at all three levels.
Atlanta has not been to the playoffs since 2017, but an NFC South title appears to be very much in play for this team in 2024.
