The Falcons are set to sign a former first-round draft pick to compete in a cornerback room filled with opportunity

The Atlanta Falcons are adding a former first-round pick to their secondary midway through August.

Kyle Crabbs — NFL National Writer
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The Atlanta Falcons‘ search for the right pieces on defense continues as the 2025 regular season rapidly approaches. Atlanta has spent significant time in recent years trying to find the right ingredients to the defensive side of the football — most recently investing multiple first-round draft choices in pass rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Now, the Falcons are set to add a new face to the secondary who was, once upon a time, a first round draft choice of his own. Atlanta is reportedly signing former top-10 overall draft pick C.J. Henderson. He’ll look to claim a job in a cornerback room that’s filled with opportunity beyond A.J. Terrell Jr.

Falcons reportedly agree to terms with free agent cornerback C.J. Henderson

Henderson most recently played significant snaps in 2023 with the Carolina Panthers, when he logged over 400 snaps throughout the regular season. Henderson signed with the Houston Texans ahead of the 2024 season but did not make the 53-man roster, instead spending the season split between Pittsburgh’s practice squad and active roster.

Now, he’ll look to try to crack into a playing opportunity with the Falcons. Head coach Raheem Morris has a sterling defensive reputation — but based on Henderson’s career trajectory and the frustrations that have come with his performance on the field, getting good play out of the former first-round pick would be some of Morris’ finest work to date.

For now, it’s a nice swing at the bat to see if there’s a low-risk payoff awaiting between now and the 53-man cut down window. Henderson is short on time but the opportunity is there for the taking. Let’s see what he does with it.

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