Arguably no NFL team has had a bolder run-up to the 2024 season than the Falcons.
After choosing Raheem Morris over Bill Belichick to be its next head coach, Atlanta swung for the fences behind center when it signed Kirk Cousins to a very expensive free-agent contract and then used the eighth overall pick in this year's draft on fellow quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
The Falcons' aggressiveness carried into training camp when they acquired Matthew Judon from the New England Patriots mere days before signing two-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons. And on Thursday morning, Atlanta reportedly pressed harder on the gas pedal.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Falcons plan to sign A.J. Terrell to a four-year, $81 million deal that "includes $65.8 million in effectively full guarantees." The guaranteed dough marks the most ever given to a cornerback on a four-year pact, and the average annual value sits only behind Jaire Alexander's among contracts in the CB market.
Terrell doesn't have stats (four interceptions in four seasons) nor accolades (no Pro Bowl selections) that jump off the page. But the 2020 first-round pick is an above-average cover corner who typically matches up with the opposing team's No. 1 receiver. Such a player is tough to come by in the NFL, so it makes sense why the Falcons were adamant about extending the Clemson product.
The 25-year-old will have a series of challenging assignments this season, as Atlanta is slated to deal with tough offenses like the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys in 2024.
