ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The Atlanta Falcons signed cornerback and former top-10 pick C.J. Henderson, pending his medical review, the team announced Thursday.
Atlanta waived injured offensive lineman Tyrone Wheatley Jr. in turn.
Henderson, selected ninth overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2020 NFL Draft out of the University of Florida, spent most of the 2024 campaign on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad before being elevated to the active roster toward the end of the season.
The 26-year-old chose Atlanta over several suitors, [according to ESPN insider Ian Rapoport](https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1955989097228468520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1955989097228468520%7Ctwgr%5E234f78526fafc33427e69e2e73bbe9726f7096b9%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.si.com%2Fcollege%2Fflorida%2Ffootball%2Fformer-gators-first-round-pick-signs-with-falcons-cj-henderson-01k2mx55r225).
As a rookie, Henderson played and started eight games for the Jaguars, totaling 36 tackles along with an interception, forced fumble and six pass breakups before his season ended in Week 11, when he was placed on injured reserve due to a groin injury.
Henderson was traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2021, starting seven games between the Jaguars (two) and Panthers (five) that season. He played in all 17 games in 2022, recording 58 total tackles, two interceptions and six pass breakups.
Across 49 total games, Henderson recorded 172 total tackles and 16 pass breakups along with three interceptions.
Atlanta plays its second preseason game against the Tennessee Titans on Friday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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