The Atlanta Falcons announced on May 14 that they have agreed to terms with cornerback Avieon Terrell on his rookie deal.
Terrell was selected as the No. 48 overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He will join a secondary group that includes his older brother, A.J. Terrell Jr., along with Jessie Bates III, Xavier Watts, Mike Hughes, and Billy Bowman Jr.
According to OverTheCap.com, Terrell’s rookie contract is estimated at $10.4 million in total value, with a cap number of $1.89 million in 2026 rising to $3.3 million by 2029. In his final college season at Clemson, Terrell started all twelve games and recorded 48 tackles (4.5 for loss), three sacks, five forced fumbles, nine passes defended, and three career interceptions.
Ian Cunningham, Atlanta Falcons general manager said: “We did some of our scenarios and strategies (Saturday) morning, and Matt (Ryan) asked a great question, and it was like, ‘Who are the guys that you wouldn’t trade off of?’ And Avieon was the No. 1 guy. We didn’t think that he would be there, so we were excited when he was there, and we were able to pull the trigger.” Dane Brugler from The Athletic said: “Terrell is a fluid, easy mover, with light footwork in his pedal and read-and-drive reactions. He crowds receivers up and down the field and displays instinctive qualities to find and play the football. You would like to see more interceptions from him, but he made plenty of impact plays the past two seasons (21 passes defended, eight forced fumbles) and competes with a ‘Honey Badger’ aura.” Dabo Swinney, Clemson head coach said: “Avieon is as good as we’ve had here. Highly skilled. His brother was a first-rounder. To me Avieon is a first-rounder talent-wise…he can play either corner spot…he’s an elite competitor…a very smart instinctual player…and he’s a guy that was a joy to coach…He showed up and loved to compete…Banged up? It didn’t matter…He was always ready to go compete.”
The Atlanta Falcons are based in Atlanta Georgia; they began as an expansion team in 1965; they have advanced twice to the Super Bowl including appearances in both 1998 and 2016; their mascot is Freddie the Falcon; they compete in the National Football League’s NFC South division according to the official website.
Observers will be watching how quickly Terrell adapts at professional level alongside established teammates including his brother.