Shortly after including a pair of veterans to their protection, the Falcons took care of one other piece of monetary enterprise on that facet of the ball on Thursday. Atlanta has labored out a big-ticket extension with cornerback A.J. Terrell, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Terrell will accumulate $81M on a four-year extension, per Schefter. The pact consists of $65.8M in efficient ensures, making this the most important dedication by way of locked-in compensation given to a nook on a four-year settlement. The 23-year-old is now beneath contract via 2028.
By way of annual common worth, Terrell has turn out to be the fourth participant at his place to common $20M or extra per season. His AAV of $20.25M ranks second within the league, behind solely Jaire Alexander‘s Packers deal ($21M). This Falcons extension is the most important deal given out to a nook in 2024, eclipsing the trio of Tyson Campbell (Jaguars), L’Jarius Sneed (Titans) and Jaylon Johnson (Bears). Every of these four-year pacts ranged between $76M and $76.5M in worth.
Earlier this summer time, it was clear Terrell was firmly on the Falcons’ extension radar. The Clemson alum was set to play on his fifth-year possibility in 2024, valued at $12.34M, however a long-term deal would clearly verify in at a a lot increased determine. His most up-to-date remark as regards to extension talks painted an encouraging picture with respect to a deal being labored out. Now that it has, Terrell enters the season with elevated expectations because the workforce’s clear-cut No. 1 nook.
After serving as a full-time starter throughout his rookie season, Terrell had his most efficient marketing campaign in 2021. That yr noticed him accumulate three interceptions, 16 go deflections and 81 tackles en path to a second-team All-Professional nod. The previous two seasons haven’t been as impactful on the stat sheet, however Terrell has remained constant by way of completion share allowed. Whereas he has allowed 10 touchdowns as the closest defender since 2022, the Falcons hope the approaching marketing campaign will see a step ahead taken in any respect three ranges of their protection.
Atlanta traded for edge rusher Matt Judon final week, including a longtime sack artist to the workforce’s entrance seven. That transfer, which is not going to be accompanied by an extension for the pending free agent, was adopted up at some point later by the signing of security Justin Simmons. The latter will create a notable backend tandem with Jessie Bates, who had a profitable debut Falcons marketing campaign final yr. Judon and Simmons have mixed for six Professional Bowls, and Terrell will look to hitch them in that regard whereas enjoying out his second contract.
The Falcons’ restructuring of guard Chris Lindstrom‘s contract freed up 2024 cap area in anticipation of the Simmons acquisition in addition to the Terrell extension. It is going to be attention-grabbing to see how this transfer impacts the workforce’s cap outlook over the approaching years, however for not less than the 2024 marketing campaign, numerous main investments can be in place on protection. Questions loom over the standing of Atlanta’s second beginning cornerback place, however the high of the depth chart is locked in for the foreseeable future.