Former Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback C.J. Henderson has agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Atlanta Falcons worth up to $20 million, including $11 million guaranteed. The agreement was negotiated by agents Jon Perzley and Dan Scardigno, according to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport.
Henderson joined Atlanta in 2025 after several stops around the league. Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said Henderson had worked to reinvent himself with the team and expressed excitement about the opportunities ahead for the cornerback.
## Henderson’s Early Career With the Jaguars
Jacksonville selected Henderson ninth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft after his college career at Florida. The Jaguars had traded Jalen Ramsey in 2019 and A.J. Bouye in March 2020, and expected Henderson to help lead the cornerback group. He signed a fully guaranteed four-year rookie contract worth $20.5 million.
Henderson made an impressive NFL debut against the Indianapolis Colts, recording five tackles, intercepting Philip Rivers for a 22-yard return and breaking up three passes. His fourth-down deflection on T.Y. Hilton helped Jacksonville secure a 27–20 upset victory.
Injuries soon disrupted his rookie season. Henderson hurt his shoulder three weeks into the campaign but attempted to play through it. He later sustained a groin injury and went on injured reserve in Week 10, finishing the season with eight starts. He also underwent offseason surgery to repair a shoulder labrum.
The Jaguars began reshaping their defense under head coach Urban Meyer, who initially described Henderson as an integral part of the unit while the cornerback recovered. Jacksonville signed Shaquill Griffin in free agency and used the 33rd overall pick in the 2021 draft on Georgia cornerback Tyson Campbell. With Henderson still dealing with lingering issues, the team reportedly considered trading him by August 2021.
## Jacksonville Traded Henderson to Carolina
After Henderson made two starts for the Jaguars, Jacksonville traded him and a 2022 fifth-round pick to the Carolina Panthers. The deal brought tight end Dan Arnold and a 2022 third-round pick to the Jaguars. Carolina had made the move after rookie cornerback Jaycee Horn suffered a broken foot.
Henderson spent two years with the Panthers, followed by brief stints with the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers. He later joined the Falcons in 2025.
Atlanta finalized Henderson’s extension as one of two defensive deals announced Friday. The other was a three-year contract for defensive end Cameron Thomas.
