Atlanta Falcons agree NFL-record $81MILLION deal with cornerback AJ Terrell

The Atlanta Falcons and AJ Terrell have reportedly agreed a four-year, $81million contract extension that includes an NFL-record $65.8m guaranteed.

The news, reported by ESPN and NFL network on Thursday morning, means Terrell has secured the biggest guarantee in history for a cornerback on a four-year-deal. He is also the second-highest paid cornerback of all time.

The 25-year-old was selected with the 16th overall pick of the 2020 draft after playing college football at Clemson.

Atlanta has made some serious improvements on the defensive side of the ball in the last few days - including trading for former New England Patriots pass rusher Matthew Judon and signing free agent safety Justin Simmons.

Now, they've locked down Terrell to a long term deal that will make him the second-highest-paid cornerback on a per-year basis behind only the Green Bay Packers' Jaire Alexander.

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

Read More

Andy Reid's hilarious reaction to Patrick Mahomes' behind-the-back pass to Travis Kelce revealed in new NFL hot-mic clip

Since his transition into the pro game, Terrell has become one of the best cover corners in the NFL.

His rookie season saw him make 61 solo tackles and one interception - including three tackles for a loss.

He was named as a second-team All-Pro player in 2021 - in a season where he had a career-high three interceptions and 81 solo tackles.

Last season, Terrell played all 17 games and made 45 tackles, including four tackles for a loss.

Terrell and the Falcons play one final preseason game on Friday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Atlanta is set to open their season at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers.