A.J. Terrell Signs $81M Deal with Atlanta Falcons
- Cornerback A.J. Terrell signed a four-year contract extension with the Atlanta Falcons worth $81 million.
- The deal includes $65.8 million guaranteed for the player.
- This contract solidifies Terrell's future with the team and highlights the Falcons' commitment to their young talent.
The Atlanta Falcons have solidified their defense by agreeing to a four-year contract extension with cornerback A.J. Terrell, valued at $81 million, as announced by his agency, Athletes First. This deal includes a remarkable $65.8 million guaranteed, marking the highest amount ever allocated to a defensive back in a four-year contract in NFL history. A.J. Terrell, 25, was selected by the Falcons as the 16th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Over the past season, he demonstrated his defensive prowess with 45 combined tackles, 11 passes defensed, and four tackles for a loss across 17 starts. In his first 61 games with the Falcons, Terrell has accumulated impressive statistics, including 247 combined tackles, four interceptions, and four forced fumbles. Terrell's performance has seen fluctuations in defensive ratings, with Pro Football Focus ranking him 24th among cornerbacks last season, a significant improvement from his 65th place in 2022. His standout year in 2021 saw him ranked third overall, showcasing his potential as a top-tier cornerback in the league. The Falcons had previously exercised Terrell's fifth-year rookie option, worth $12.3 million, for the current season. With this new extension, he is now under contract through 2028. The Falcons are set to host the Jacksonville Jaguars for their final preseason game on Friday, followed by their regular-season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 8 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.