Terrell Secures Massive Payday to Stay in Atlanta

The Atlanta Falcons continue to fortify their defense this offseason, with their latest move demonstrating the team’s commitment to that side of the ball. According to reports, the Falcons have agreed to a four-year, $81 million extension with their top cornerback, A.J. Terrell, with $65.8 million of that guaranteed. This substantial extension is a testament to the young defensive back’s impact, particularly after he found his stride in his second NFL season in 2021. Since then, Terrell has been a crucial component of the Falcons' defense and has established himself as one of the league's premier cornerbacks.

Since being drafted by Atlanta in 2020, Terrell has made an All-Pro team in 2022 and started 61 games over his four-year career. His physical play style, combined with his speed and size, has made him a challenging matchup for any of the league’s wide receivers. Although he hasn’t earned a Pro Bowl nod yet, Terrell consistently delivers, shutting down opponents' top targets week in and week out. Over his first four seasons, he has recorded four interceptions, 43 pass deflections, and 247 tackles. While his interception numbers may not stand out, his ability to deflect passes places him among the top 15 defensive backs in the league—an impressive feat that underscores his high level of play.

With a new regime in charge, Atlanta could have opted to delay Terrell’s extension until after the season. Instead, they chose to secure their number one cornerback for the long term. This move, along with the trade for Matt Judon and the signing of Justin Simmons, signals a clear commitment to building a dominant defense. With expectations running high in Atlanta this year, the Falcons are banking on their investments to pay off and bring a winning product back to one of the nation’s greatest football cities.