Atlanta Falcons must find a way to extend A.J. Terrell

The Atlanta Falcons watched as the Green Bay Packers locked up Jaire Alexander with a 4-year extension worth $84-million. This after a season that Alexander dealt with injuries and setbacks, speaking to just how great he has been and the increasingly expensive market at the position.

A.J. Terrell still has two years left on his rookie deal, however, the longer the Falcons wait to lock the young corner up the more expensive it will become. There are four positions in the league that are completely worth spending big money on corner, edge rusher, left tackle, and quarterback. Terrell is worth the big contract and Atlanta needs to focus on building the defense around Grady Jarrett and A.J. Terrell.

While Terrell is coming off of a breakout season he doesn’t have the consistent success of Jaire Alexander. Meaning Atlanta could likely extend Terrell for a slightly cheaper price if they decide to extend Terrell quickly.

A four-year $70-million dollar deal would be a fair offer for a player who has had one great season and was a part of a terrible defense. While he is obviously a part of the long-term solution and not the problem there is also the unavoidable fact he didn’t change life for the Atlanta defense. Though it is fair to wonder just how bad this team could have been without Terrell?

A four-year deal would keep A.J. locked up even if the current Atlanta front office fails to complete the rebuild and along with Kyle Pitts and Drake London would give the team three clear players to build their team around.

Regardless of the timing, there should be no question for Atlanta locking up A.J. Terrell long-term should be near the top of their priority list. Terrell is far too great a talent to consider losing, regardless of the price Atlanta needs to lock up Terrell long-term.