Falcons new cornerback CJ Henderson
Getty
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 12: CJ Henderson #23 of the Carolina Panthers is introduced prior to a preseason game against the New York Jets at Bank of America Stadium on August 12, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Falcons recently made a move that provides a boost to the defensive secondary.
Per NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, the Falcons signed veteran cornerback CJ Henderson.
Free agent CB CJ Henderson, the former #Jaguars first-rounder, is planning to sign with the #Falcons, source said, pending his medical review.
After Pittsburgh last year and the #Panthers before that, Henderson gets another shot in 2025. He picked ATL over several suitors. pic.twitter.com/uxvLULDSbm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 14, 2025
Last season, Henderson played for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Now, Henderson heads to Atlanta where he will serve as welcome depth to one of the most important positions on defense.
What makes this signing more intriguing?
Henderson chose the Falcons over several other suitors.
For a team looking to make a playoff push and make some noise in the NFC, this addition feels like another positive step in the right direction.
CJ Henderson brings depth, veteran presence, versatility and a bit of NFL draft history to the Falcons roster.
Henderson Chooses Falcons Over Other Suitors
Henderson’s decision to pick the Falcons wasn’t just about a paycheck.
“After Pittsburgh last year and the Panthers before that, Henderson gets another shot in 2025. He picked ATL [Atlanta] over several suitors,” per Rapoport.
The Falcons clearly stood out among the interested teams.
Whether it was for playing more meaningful snaps, being a part of an intriguing defense or the appeal of playing for an up-and-coming team, Henderson made his choice clear.
He wants to be in Atlanta.
After playing just 10 games for the Jaguars in 2020, they elected to trade Henderson to the Carolina Panthers.
Henderson played 39 games for the Panthers from 2021-2023.
While Henderson has had a hard time finding a suitable home of late, a former first-round pick still offers upside.
The Florida product posted 128 combined tackles, 10 passes defended and 2 interceptions in 2022.
In Atlanta, Henderson now joins a talented defensive secondary.
AJ Terrell, Mike Hughes, Clark Phillips and Lamar Jackson headline the top four cornerbacks on the Falcons roster.
Henderson will have a chance to show that he can still play at a high level and could end up being an underrated signing.
Worst case scenario for the Falcons, the former first-round pick could offer a fresh body and be an insurance player in case the injury bug wants to bite.
Draft Class Connection Comes Full Circle
With Henderson now in the fold in Atlanta, a full circle moment comes to light.
The Falcons have officially had all three of the first cornerbacks selected from the 2020 NFL Draft suit up for them at some point, as Fox 5 Atlanta Reporter Miles Garrett highlighted.
The first 3 CBs selected in the 2020 NFL Draft have now all played for the #Falcons at some point.
Jeff OkudahCJ HendersonA.J. Terrell
Looks like Atlanta selected the right guy 5 years ago. https://t.co/ImeKRozNSh
— Miles Garrett (@MilesGarrettTV) August 14, 2025
That list includes Jeff Okudah, AJ Terrell and now CJ Henderson.
In hindsight, it is clear the Falcons made the right call in selecting AJ Terrell as their first-round pick in 2020.
While Okudah and Henderson have faced career turbulence, Terrell has been a cornerstone of Atlanta’s defense.
Still, with Henderson now in the fold, it will be a great opportunity for him to play with a talented defensive back.
Playing behind Terrell will bring a fresh perspective and a chance for Henderson to refine his skills.
In a division with talented wide receivers, having more experienced cornerbacks gives the Falcons a competitive edge.
Adding Henderson is the definition of a low-risk, high-reward move.
The Falcons’ signing of Henderson shows they are continuing to prepare for the season ahead and build a defense that can withstand the long grind of the season.
And sometimes, the best moves are the ones that quietly make you stronger.