The Atlanta Falcons are facing tough choices as they prepare to enhance their performance for the upcoming season. One crucial decision they should prioritize is extending the contract of cornerback AJ Terrell before the 2024 campaign.
Before entering the professional league, Terrell played college football at Clemson University, where he achieved recognition as a two-time All-ACC selection and contributed to a national championship win in 2018. He was subsequently drafted by the Falcons in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
In his debut season with the Falcons, Terrell made a promising start, securing his first career interception in Week 6 against the Minnesota Vikings. He continued to progress in his second year, earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2021 with three interceptions and achieving a career-best overall grade of 82.7 from Pro Football Focus.
Terrell has become a cornerstone of the Falcons’ defensive backfield, leveraging his combination of size, speed, and adeptness in ball handling to excel in coverage. As he enters his fourth NFL season, he aims to build on his early accomplishments and solidify his reputation as one of the premier young cornerbacks in the league.
Cornerback AJ Terrell Named As Atlanta Falcons’ Most Important Contract Extension For Next Season
The Falcons have several players approaching contract extensions, with Terrell identified as a priority according to Ryan Fowler’s article on Bleacher Report. Fowler argues that securing Terrell’s extension is crucial for Atlanta, especially considering the rising costs of top cornerbacks like Jaire Alexander, Denzel Ward, and Jalen Ramsey, who all earn over $20 million annually.
Despite not yet earning a Pro Bowl nod in his first four seasons, being proactive in the increasingly expensive cornerback market would be a prudent move for Fontenot, Fowler suggests.
Last season, Atlanta finished with a 7-10 record, ranking 26th in offense and 18th in defense among NFL teams.
To position themselves as contenders in the NFC division in the coming years, extending Terrell’s contract is seen as one of the initial steps the Falcons can take. With time, foresight, and patience, the Falcons have the potential to ascend in their division.
