newsweek
The Atlanta Falcons have secured veteran cornerback C.J. Henderson with a two-year contract extension, the team announced on Friday. The move comes shortly after the Falcons traded safety Jessie Bates to the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier in the week.
According to NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, Henderson's new deal carries a maximum value of $20 million, including $11 million in guaranteed money.
Henderson originally joined the Falcons last year and appeared in four games, registering 13 tackles, one interception, and three passes defended. This season, he has taken on a larger role, playing in eight games with six starts and amassing 41 tackles, nine passes defended, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
His promotion to the starting lineup came after fellow cornerback A.J. Terrell suffered a groin injury that placed him on injured reserve. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich expressed unwavering confidence in Henderson's ability to fill the void.
"A.J., in my opinion, is the best boundary corner in the NFL," Ulbrich said, per Tori McElhaney of AtlantaFalcons.com. "And saying that, when he gets nicked, broke a shoelace, whatever, has to step out, normally that's like, 'Oh my goodness, I have to cloud that guy. I have to protect that guy. I have to put a safety over the top. I have to do whatever, they're going to go after him'. I don't feel any of this when C.J. goes in the game. I don't. I have tremendous confidence in him, and he's proven that. He goes out, and every time he's called upon, he steps up and answers the bell. So, fortunate to have him."
Key Analysis
Henderson's journey began in 2020 when the Jacksonville Jaguars selected him ninth overall in the NFL Draft. The former Florida Gators standout spent just over one season in Jacksonville before being traded to the Carolina Panthers in September 2021. After playing 10 games for the Panthers that year, he appeared in all 17 games in 2022, recording 58 tackles, two interceptions, and six passes defended. In 2023, he played 12 games for Carolina, tallying 39 tackles, one sack, and two passes defended. He signed with the Houston Texans in March 2024 but was released before the season started. The Pittsburgh Steelers then added him to their practice squad in late September and promoted him to the active roster a month later.
The extension for Henderson comes on the heels of the Falcons' decision to trade Bates, a two-time Pro Bowl selection (2023 and 2025) who spent nearly four seasons with the team. By locking up Henderson, Atlanta ensures depth and stability in its secondary as it navigates the remainder of the season.
Originally reported by newsweek.