After the trade deadline, the Atlanta Falcons showed us they aren't scared to make moves that are going to ruffle some feathers.
Trading two starters in the middle of a push for the division will send a mixed message to the fanbase, but the Falcons are thinking long-term. They also lead the NFL with nearly $150 million in 2027 cap space after trading away Jessie Bates and Ryan Neuzil, and they're already putting that money to use. You can't use it all come free agency.
On Friday morning, Atlanta reportedly agreed to contract extensions with CB C.J. Henderson and EDGE Cameron Thomas, two players who have been given an opportunity to make an impact on this defense and have run away with it, cementing themselves as reliable every-down starters.
Thomas received a three-year extension worth up to $33 million, though only $13 million of it is guaranteed. As for Henderson, he landed a two-year contract worth $20 million, but $11 million of it is guaranteed. And frankly, these terms may not be the most popular--and for good reason.
The Atlanta Falcons signed Cameron Thomas and C.J. Henderson to contract extensions
It's good to have both of these guys under contract since they deserve to be retained, but admittedly, the price tags are a little steep. Before this season, Cameron Thomas has just three starts under his belt and after a hot start to the season, he has come back down to earth to an extent.
After recording 25 pressures across the first six games, he's amassed just one across the last three games. Still, he's Kevin Stefanski's guy and evidently a very respected locker room leader. He's the team's NFLPA representative, so extending him was likely a priority for the team for weeks now.
The Dirty Birds now have Thomas, Jalon Walker, and James Pearce Jr. under contract for 2027 off the edge, so even though he'll shift into more of a rotational role next season, he can still make an impact. His deal is mostly incentive based, so I doubt it'd deter Atlanta from extending Za'Darius Smith or Samson Ebukam.
As for C.J. Henderson, he's been the real pleasant surprise this season. Frankly, he's out-performed A.J. Terrell and has been a reliable starter on the boundary for a Falcons team in desperate need of one--and although he started off the season as a depth guy, he quickly climbed up the depth chart.
The former top-10 pick has finally flipped the script on that bust label this year, as he basically stole the starting job away from Mike Hughes and has looked really good with the extended snap share. According to Pro Football Focus, his 69.7 grade ranks 21st out of 104 qualified cornerbacks.
Although Avieon Terrell, Billy Bowman Jr. and more young corners are likely coming, Henderson still has a place here. He can mentor the young guys and step up as an outside option for a team where most of their corners can be moved inside--and he likely confirmed Hughes won't be back.
New general manager Ian Cunningham has displayed a willingness to keep this core intact for the long-term, and it's safe to say both of these contract extensions accomplish this goal.
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