The Atlanta Falcons extend C.J. Henderson and Cam Thomas

After parting ways with veteran safety Jessie Bates III and starting center Ryan Neuzil, the Atlanta Falcons made another move that suggests they are thinking more long-term. The Falcons have decided to extend key rotational defensive players cornerback C.J. Henderson and defensive end Cameron Thomas.

On Friday, November 13th, the Falcons announced they signed multi-year extensions with cornerback Henderson and defensive end Thomas. Both players play key roles in the defense this season as the unit plays a sum-of-its-parts, rotational style of defense.

Henderson earned his two-year, $20 million contract extension by starting opposite cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. The 28-year-old corner’s role opposite Terrell Jr. was a major one, and he succeeded.  After Terrell Jr. suffered a groin injury early in the season,  Henderson had to fill in as the number one corner. In Terrell Jr.’s absence, he defended a career-high nine passes while forcing a fumble.

Henderson’s contract gives Atlanta the flexibility to make him the full-time counterpart to Terrell Jr. or continue searching for a second corner in the offseason while keeping dependable rotational depth on the roster. Ultimately, Henderson has proven himself an asset in defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich’s scheme and has found a place within it.

Defensive end Cameron Thomas has flashed several times after signing a one-year $3.1 million “prove it” contract in the offseason. He has 25 total tackles, and his 12 quarterback hits lead the defense and are a personal career high. His 26 quarterback pressures are the second most on the team, and he also has 13 run stops and two sacks this season.

After only nine games, he’s shown the Falcons that he is very effective at affecting the quarterback, leading to his 3-year $33 million contract extension.

The Falcons may be sitting at 3-6, but there’s more to focus on beyond this season. Securing effective players like Henderson and Thomas shows that general manager Ian Cunningham and President of Football Matt Ryan are looking towards future success, while also trying to compete in the NFC South this season. Players like Henderson and Thomas will help the Falcons succeed in the future.