The Atlanta Falcons have made a significant investment in their defensive backfield, signing cornerback AJ Terrell to a four-year, $81 million contract extension. This deal includes an NFL-record $65.8 million guaranteed, making it the largest guarantee for a cornerback on a four-year deal.
Terrell, 25, was selected 16th overall in the 2020 draft from Clemson University. Since entering the professional league, he has established himself as one of the top cover corners in the NFL. The Falcons’ new deal makes him the second-highest-paid cornerback of all time, behind only the Green Bay Packers’ Jaire Alexander.
In addition to Terrell’s extension, the Falcons have made other significant improvements to their defense in recent days. They traded for former New England Patriots pass rusher Matthew Judon and signed free agent safety Justin Simmons.
The Atlanta Falcons have signed AJ Terrell to a four-year, $81million contract extension
Terrell was named as a second-team All-Pro selection in his second year in the league in 2021
Terrell’s rookie season saw him make 61 solo tackles and one interception, including three tackles for a loss. In 2021, he was named a second-team All-Pro player, with a career-high three interceptions and 81 solo tackles. Last season, he played all 17 games, making 45 tackles, including four tackles for a loss.
The Falcons will play their final preseason game on Friday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars, before opening their regular season at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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Atlanta Falcons agree NFL-record $81MILLION deal with cornerback AJ Terrell
