FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — I stand firm in my opinion that A.J. Terrell deserves more credit than he's been given for the career he's had in Atlanta. This past season only furthered my personal argument and vendetta against the league at large for not recognizing Terrell as one of the premiere corners in the NFL.
Playing cornerback at this level is oftentimes a thankless job. If you mess up, it's usually put on blast — even if your body of work points to one mess up as a fluke. Nobody is going to win every single rep. Receivers get paid to make the big plays, too. But good cornerbacks can win a lot of them, and Terrell more often than not does. Another sign of a corner's worth can be found in the notion that people don't talk about them because teams don't test them.
An offensive coordinator's scheme can specifically account for them, and quarterbacks can make the conscious choice to keep the ball out of their area. That's what happened to Terrell not just in 2024, but throughout various points in his career.
Case in point this season? In the Falcons' Week 17 game against the Washington Commanders, Terrell shadowed Terry McLaurin on 32 of his 34 routes, according to Next Gen Stats. He allowed just one reception for five yards on six targets. Not only did Jayden Daniels not want to test the matchup, but when he did, it was Terrell who came out on top.
The Falcons awarded Terrell last year with a sizeable contract extension. It made Terrell one of the highest-paid corners in the league. It's a contract value he absolutely played up to in 2025.
He was arguably as shutdown as corners come, despite not receiving the recognition as such. But there's more to this position in 2025 than Terrell (though he does play a major part in it). Let's get into what the next season could hold for this group.
OFFENSIVE POSITION REVIEWS:
DEFENSIVE POSITION REVIEWS:
Notable returners: A.J. Terrell, Clark Phillips III
Free agents: Mike Hughes (UFA), Dee Alford (RFA), Kevin King (UFA)
2024 production:
- A.J. Terrell: 17 starts, 17 appearances | 43 receptions allowed on 69 targets for 519 yards allowed and two touchdowns | 2 interceptions | 13.1% target rate | 62.3% catch rate allowed | 2.6 yards after catch allowed
- Mike Hughes: 15 starts, 15 appearances | 35 receptions allowed on 55 targets for 358 yards allowed and 2 touchdowns | 0 interceptions | 15.8% target rate | 63.6% catch rate allowed | 3.0 yards after catch allowed
- Clark Phillips III: 2 starts, 16 appearances | 25 receptions allowed on 37 targets for 306 yards allowed and three touchdowns | 1 interception | 17.3% target rate | 67.6% catch rate allowed | 3.4 yards after catch allowed
- Dee Alford (slot): 11 starts, 16 game appearances | 69 receptions allowed on 92 targets for 640 yards allowed and 8 touchdowns | 0 interceptions | 23.7% target rate | 75% catch rate allowed | 3.2 yards after catch allowed
- Kevin King: 1 start, 13 game appearances | 5 receptions on 6 targets for 51 yards allowed and 0 touchdowns | 0 interceptions | 12.2% target rate | 83.3% catch rate allowed | 4.0 yards after catch allowed
Biggest question(s) facing the position group in 2025:
- Part I: Who will line up opposite Terrell?
This has been a question asked every single offseason since Terrell was drafted back in 2020. Every year we go into the offseason knowing what the future for Terrell would be but always left wondering about his counterpart. Terrell has had a different running mate each year he's been in Atlanta. With Terrell locked in for the long haul, will the Falcons find him a consistent partner in crime? If so, where would said partner come from? Free agency? The draft? I like the idea of drafting someone young who can develop and learn from Terrell. And hey, pick No. 15 in the NFL Draft is usually prime real estate for a cornerback... but I digress.
If the Falcons choose not to go that route of drafting Terrell's running mate, could they decide to bring back Hughes on another shorter deal? Maybe a year or two? I don't hate that idea, actually, because Hughes' numbers and stops this last year were pretty consistent. He's someone liked in the locker room and if the Falcons feel that they need to put money or draft capital elsewhere, perhaps Hughes comes back and reunites with Terrell, making it the first time in Terrell's professional career he's worked opposite the same guy from one season to another.
- Part II: What are the Falcons' plans at nickel?
There's a reason this section differs for this position group compared to others. It's because you cannot outweigh one question over the other considering how much rides on both decisions. New defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich ran a base 4-3 when he was with Atlanta from 2015-20. He did so with the Jets for the last four seasons, too. It stands to reason that'll be the base defense in Atlanta once again. Assistant head coach/defense Jerry Gray greatly values a nickel role incorporated into looks. It stands to reason slot corner will continue to play a significant role in the defensive plan moving forward, too.
However, the Falcons need more from the nickel position than what they got in 2024. As the stats above explain, Alford was targeted by opposing quarterbacks more than any other player in the Falcons' secondary. He gave up more touchdowns in coverage than duos of players combined. All-in-all, it wasn't the season the Falcons — or Alford — wanted. So, where do the Falcons go from here with the position? As a restricted free agent, the Falcons have first rights to Alford, but do they want him back? If they bring him back, would they want him more for depth purposes than being an all-out starter? And if it's the latter option, who becomes the Falcons' starting nickel — if they deploy one, which they are likely to do? Those are big questions that will need to be answered this offseason.
Join us as we take a look back on our favorite photos from the Atlanta Falcons' 2024-2025 season.
during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 catches the ball during the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 reacts during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Matt Ryan is inducted into the Ring of Honor during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 scores the game winning touchdown in over time during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 scores the game winning touchdown in over time during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
A view of the Halo Board during the Week 4 Game win against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
View of the field painted in the throwback diamond style end zones before the Week 5 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 scores a touchdown during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 celebrates scoring a touchdown during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 scores a touchdown during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
An overhead view during the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 runs with the ball during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 celebrates with Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 after scoring a touchdown during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 scores a touchdown during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
The Halo Board during the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Matthew Judon #15 scores on a pick six during the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 scores a touchdown during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defense celebrates during the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
General view of the halo board before the Week 4 game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes #21 and Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 warms up before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons run out before the Week 4 game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons make a big stop during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
View of the field painted in the throwback diamond style end zones before the Week 5 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tackle Jake Matthews #70 warms up before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
The defense attempts to block the kick during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offense during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons players huddle before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of the team during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 celebrates after a big play during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Smith-Williams #50 rushes the quarterback during the Week 4 game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 scores touchdown during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of the field during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 runs with the ball during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 celebrates scoring a touchdown during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 warms up before the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
An overhead view during the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 warms up before the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Nate Landman #53 gives the pregame speech before the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 scores a touchdown during the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro #98 and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 run out during team intros before the Week 16 game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 scores on a pick six during the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 leads the huddle before the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
An overhead view during the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #17 runs out of the tunnel before the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Clark Phillips III #22, Atlanta Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom #63, Atlanta Falcons tight end Ross Dwelley #85 and Atlanta Falcons tackle Kaleb McGary #76 run out of the tunnel before the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Drone scene setters before the Week 13 game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. On Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
The National Anthem before the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 makes a tackle during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
The Falcons running out of the tunnel before the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Micah Abernathy #29 scores a touchdown during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 runs with the ball during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
The Halo Board during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
The Marine halftime performance during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)
The Marine halftime performance during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)
The Marines during the national anthem before the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 makes a one-handed catch during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 runs out of the tunnel before the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)
The Halo Board before the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 sacks the quarterback during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 scores a touchdown during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Smith-Williams #50 during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 celebrates scoring a touchdown during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 runs with the ball during the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 runs out of the tunnel before the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter #0 runs out of the tunnel before the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
