FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — A.J. Terrell is entering the fifth and final year of his rookie contract and conversations about a possible extension are ongoing as Falcons training camp kicked off Thursday. However, the Falcons top cornerback isn't worried.
While conversations may be taking place between his representation and the Falcons' front office, Terrell is controlling what he can control on the field with his teammates.
"That's the beauty of it, like right now I'm so focused on just being with the team and being involved and just let my agent work his moves and do what he do," Terrell said. "That's easy for me to just come out to work and not think about it and know that it's in good hands."
Last season Terrell started all 17 games while recording 45 total tackles, four tackles for a loss and 11 pass breakups. In 2021, Terrell solidified his place as CB1 when he was named to the All-Pro second team notching 81 tackles, 16 pass breakups, three interceptions and a forced fumble.
The last time the Falcons signed a player while he was on a fifth-year extension was Chris Lindstrom in March 2023, which secured the offensive lineman through 2028 on a $102 million contract, according to Spotrac. Like Terrell, Lindstrom was a first-round pick and quickly became a core member of the roster.
Terrell hasn't decided to hold out as contract negotiations continue. Instead, Terrell said it feels great to be back around his teammates and working towards a shared goal. His focus remains firmly on the field.
Around the league, though, dominoes continue to fall. Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Tyson Campbell recently signed a four-year $76.5 million contract extension. Campbell was the Jaguars second-round pick in 2021.
While Terrell is happy for guys like Campbell, he remains disassociated from his own negotiation process and focused on giving his all to the team during training camp.
"It will all play its role as long as I just keep doing my thing," Terrell said, "Just stay all in with the team and just do my part."
