The Falcons made a pair of notable contract moves after their trade-deadline shuffle, locking in two defenders for the long haul while continuing to reshape the roster.
Atlanta first reached agreement with EDGE Cameron Thomas on a three-year extension worth up to $33 million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal keeps Thomas tied to the Falcons through the 2029 season.
Schefter wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that “The Falcons and EDGE Cameron Thomas reached agreement on a three-year extension worth up to $33 million, tying him to Atlanta through the 2029 season, per Ian Rapoport and me. Equity Sports CEO Chris Cabott and Falcons GM Ian Cunningham and SVP Bryce Johnston wrapped up the agreement Thursday night,”
The team wasn’t finished there. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that Atlanta also agreed to a two-year extension with cornerback CJ Henderson.
Rapoport posted on X, “The Falcons aren’t done, also agreeing to terms on a 2-year extension for CB CJ Henderson worth up to $20M with $11M guaranteed, per me and Mike Garafolo. Deal done by agents Jon Perzley and Dan Scardigno of Sports Stars,”
Those extensions come shortly after the Falcons sent Jessie Bates III to the Jacksonville Jaguars before the trade deadline. Between the trade and the new deals, Atlanta has been active in adjusting its defensive core.
For now, the focus shifts back to the field. The Falcons are trying to snap out of their current slump and will face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 10. That’s a tough assignment on paper, especially with Kansas City among the league’s better teams and Atlanta struggling on both sides of the ball lately.
The roster work may not be done, but the bigger moves could wait until the offseason. Atlanta is projected to have plenty of cap space, giving the front office multiple paths to choose from when the time comes.
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Falcons Just Made Their Faith In Two Defensive Standouts Clear
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Thomas has started every game this season and given Atlanta the kind of steady edge presence that coaches value even when the splash plays do not always grab the headlines. Hendersons path has been more complicated, but he has carved out a key role in the Falcons defense, and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has been especially vocal about Thomass effort and consistency as the team continues to lean on both players. [Read more 🡒]