The Falcons have been busy this offseason, hiring Raheem Morris and an entire coaching staff, signing Kirk Cousins, drafting Michael Penix Jr., trading for Matthew Judon, and signing Justin Simmons.
The only other “to-do” of Atlanta’s offseason was to get an extension with A.J. Terrell done, and it’s completed. According to Ian Rapoport, the two sides have agreed to a four-year, $81 million contract extension, with $65.8 million “effectively” guaranteed, making him the second-highest-paid corner in the NFL.
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
This may be a little rich for some fans’ blood, but there are important factors to consider when discussing this contract.
Firstly, more than anything nowadays with new contracts, timing is most important. Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in the league, and it’s not particularly close, but he’s earning $10 million less per year than Jordan Love, Joe Burrow, and Trevor Lawrence.
So, A.J. Terrell being the second-highest paid cornerback ever is more due to timing than anything. However, something else to remember is Terrell’s supporting cast. Just like a quarterback, cornerbacks are only as good as their support system.
The Falcons defense is the best it’s ever been since Terrell came to Atlanta. The pass rush, Jessie Bates III and Justin Simmons, and the overall effectiveness of the team should help Terrell play better.
This is also just how Terry Fontenot does business. Instead of squandering an elite, homegrown talent like Terrell or Chris Lindstrom, the Falcons choose to fork over market-value contracts and not penny-pinch.
Congratulations to A.J. Terrell on his new deal!
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Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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