The Falcons' secondary is in dire need of a reset - and fast. As things stand heading into the 2026 offseason, A.J.
Terrell is the only cornerback on the roster who can confidently be called a high-level NFL starter. That’s a problem, especially for a team that’s trying to build on the momentum of a late-season surge and stay competitive in the NFC South.
Let’s start with the current depth chart. Behind Terrell, things get thin - and shaky - in a hurry.
Dee Alford is set to hit free agency, and while bringing him back would help stabilize the rotation, he’s not a fix-all. The Falcons need more than just one re-signing to patch up this unit.
Cobee Bryant, an undrafted rookie free agent, got thrown into the fire late in the year and, to put it bluntly, got picked on. He had some moments, sure, but over the course of the Falcons’ four-game winning streak to close the season, opposing offenses clearly targeted him. That’s not ideal for a team trying to build a playoff-caliber defense.
Then there’s C.J. Henderson, a former top-10 pick from the 2020 draft whose career has veered off course.
After bouncing between three teams in three seasons, he spent most of 2024 on the Steelers' practice squad before returning to Atlanta in mid-November. He logged just four games and had three separate stints on the Falcons’ roster or practice squad throughout the season.
It’s hard to rely on that kind of inconsistency heading into a pivotal year.
Mike Hughes is another name in the mix, but he spent most of 2025 on injured reserve after signing a three-year, $18 million deal last offseason. When healthy, Hughes can be a solid contributor, but the injury concerns make it tough to pencil him in as a dependable piece moving forward.
All told, this cornerback group is paper-thin, and without a first-round pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, GM Terry Fontenot and new head coach Matt Ryan will need to get creative. Whether that means working the trade market, targeting free agents, or hitting on a second-round gem, something’s got to give.
Speaking of second-round gems, there’s a fascinating storyline brewing with Clemson’s Avieon Terrell - the younger brother of A.J. Terrell.
The younger Terrell is coming off a standout junior season at Clemson, where he posted five forced fumbles, nine passes defended, and three sacks. He’s projected as a late-first or early second-round pick, making him a realistic - if not guaranteed - option when the Falcons are on the clock at No. 48 overall.
Avieon isn’t quite as big as his older brother - he checks in at 5'11" and is about 20 pounds lighter - but he’s got elite speed and explosiveness to make up for it. And when you look at the numbers, his college production actually outpaces A.J.’s. He’s not just riding the family name; he’s earned his own spotlight.
Now, could the Falcons actually land him? That’s the million-dollar question.
Mel Kiper Jr.’s first 2026 mock draft has Avieon going 23rd overall to the Eagles and ranks him as the No. 3 corner in the class. If that projection holds, Atlanta would need to move up to get him.
But if he slips into the early second round, or if the Falcons find a trade partner willing to make a deal, this could be a golden opportunity.
Pairing the Terrell brothers in the same secondary wouldn’t just be a feel-good story - it would be a legitimate upgrade for a unit that desperately needs one. A.J. has quietly re-established himself as a top-tier cover man, especially with his strong finish to the 2025 season. Adding Avieon would give Atlanta a young, athletic, and instinctive corner duo that could anchor the defense for years to come.
The Falcons have work to do this offseason, and cornerback should be high on the priority list. Whether it’s Avieon Terrell or another impact player, they can’t afford to roll into 2026 with the same depth chart. The NFC South is wide open - and if Atlanta wants to seize the moment, fixing the secondary is step one.