For a second offseason in a row, the Falcons will have a pair of former first-round picks that are eligible for fifth-year options. This time last year, the club exercised Chris Lindstrom‘s option and declined Kaleb McGary‘s. Now, they’ll have to deliberate on two cornerbacks — A.J. Terrell and Jeff Okudah.
This piece is dedicated to Terrell because his decision is more straightforward. I will discuss the recently acquired Okudah in a later piece.
The Falcons have until May 2 to decide whether to exercise the fifth-year option, and it’s a 99.9% certainty that Atlanta will pick Terrell’s up. However, The Athletic categorized him as a smart bet instead of a no-brainer.
“Terrell ranked among the best young cornerbacks in the game despite not recording an interception last season. He’s the type of player who would make a lot of sense to extend.”
I don’t know how Terrell isn’t a ‘no-brainer,’ but I digress. Terrell is in line for a lucrative contract extension next offseason, and this is the precursor for that. It’s not a question of if but when the Falcons will exercise A.J. Terrell’s option.
It will pay Terrell $12.344 million in 2024, which is a bargain for an All-Pro caliber cornerback in today’s NFL. In fact, Terrell’s future compensation will likely be nearly double his fifth-year option.
After the Falcons made Chris Lindstrom the highest-paid guard in the league, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Terrell receive a market-setting contract, even if I don’t think he deserves it. This regime is upfront about rewarding their own guys, and Terrell is the next one up.
With the deadline a few weeks away, it’s only a matter of time before the Falcons announce A.J. Terrell’s fifth-year option.
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Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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