The Falcons are preparing for training camp in a few weeks, but a significant contract extension still needs to be finalized this offseason.
A.J. Terrell, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal, clearly needs a new contract. Given that there are few clear long-term cornerstones on the roster and Terrell, an All-Pro corner, is one of them, this should be straightforward.
Last offseason, the Falcons made Chris Lindstrom the highest-paid offensive guard in football, and Terrell is poised for a similarly substantial deal. While it’s uncertain if Terrell will reset the cornerback market, the Falcons are more focused on securing their key players rather than saving money. However, it’s Kyle Pitts that Bleacher Report’s Maurice Moton believes will reset the market for his position.
Moton predicts that if Pitts has a Pro Bowl-All-Pro season, potentially surpassing 1,300 receiving yards and scoring double-digit touchdowns, he could earn a massive extension next offseason. His projection for Pitts’ contract is four years, $70 million, with half guaranteed. For a player who nearly broke Mike Ditka’s NFL record for most receiving yards by a rookie tight end, this would be a bargain, though his subsequent seasons have not matched his rookie year.
Contract extensions are investments in a player’s future potential rather than rewards for past performance. With Kirk Cousins now the Falcons’ most reliable quarterback since Matt Ryan in 2021, and considering Cousins’ success with top receiving targets, Pitts has reason to be optimistic. Health will also be a crucial factor.
In 2022, Justin Jefferson led the league in receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,809), winning Offensive Player of the Year. Even if Drake London becomes Cousins’ primary target, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson have proven to be among the best WR2 and TE1 in football.
If Pitts performs as Falcons fans expect in 2024, $17.5 million per season will be a bargain.
