Atlanta Falcons’ rookie Avieon Terrell sets new standard with record contract
· Yahoo Sports
The NFL offseason has entered the OTA portion of team workouts. Minicamps are right around the corner, and before long, the preseason will be here.
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At the same time, teams continue working to sign their 2026 NFL Draft classes. This week, the Atlanta Falcons set a new precedent for rookie contracts.
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Reports indicate that second-round pick Avien Terrell signed a fully guaranteed rookie deal, making him the lowest-selected player in NFL history to receive a fully guaranteed contract as a rookie. The deal establishes a new benchmark across the league.
Clemson defensive back Avieon Terrell (DB31) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesTeams can now expect agents to push for similar guarantees for every player selected before pick No. 48. It may only be a matter of time before fully guaranteed rookie contracts become the norm.
For now, first-round picks and players selected in the top half of the second round have a new precedent in negotiations. A team like the Pittsburgh Steelers, who selected Germie Bernard at No. 47 overall, could now face pressure to fully guarantee its second-round pick’s rookie contract.
Terrell’s offseason has already been filled with milestone moments, both contractually and personally.
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He is, of course, the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons standout cornerback A.J. Terrell. The Terrell brothers are now set to line up alongside each other in Atlanta’s secondary for years to come.
Nov 29, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell (8), cornerback Ashton Hampton (23) and linebacker Wade Woodaz (17) celebrate a play against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
The moment quickly circulated across social media, placing the Terrells alongside families like the Watts, Heywards, and Griffins as brothers who became NFL teammates.
Like his older brother, Terrell emerged as a standout cornerback prospect at Clemson. He chose to forgo his senior season and declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.
During his three seasons at Clemson, Terrell recorded 125 tackles, 25 pass breakups, and three interceptions. Now, he joins his brother in Atlanta with a record-setting contract to begin his NFL career.