Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris wants to set the record straight regarding cornerback A.J. Terrell — Morris, not Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot, drafted Terrell.

“That was my draft pick,” Morris joked Friday night after Atlanta’s 31-0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the preseason finale. “It wasn’t Terry’s. We have to make sure we say that.”

Morris was Atlanta’s defensive coordinator in 2020 when the team selected Terrell at No. 16 overall in the NFL Draft. Fontenot, meanwhile, was the New Orleans Saints’ assistant general manager and vice president of pro personnel.

Now reunited as the two lead decision makers in a new era of Falcons football, Morris and Fontenot gave Terrell a hefty financial commitment Thursday.

The two parties agreed to a four-year, $81 million extension with $65.8 million guaranteed — it’s the largest guarantee ever given to a corner on a four-year deal, and at $20.25 million annually, Terrell is the second-highest paid corner in the league, according to Spotrac.

For Morris, who remembers chirping Terrell for a difficult performance against then-LSU receivers Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase in the 2020 national championship game, it’s a full-circle moment.

During the pre-draft process, Morris saw Terrell’s character, resiliency, fight and toughness. Since Terrell arrived in April 2020, Morris has seen the same traits show up time and again — perhaps most importantly this summer as the two sides navigated contract discussions.

“I don’t think anybody knew he was up [for an extension], and that was the most beautiful thing about the whole process,” Morris said. “We’re behind the scenes. We’re talking about a contract. You got his agent working with Terry. We got our money people working with Terry, talking to his agents.

“All this stuff is going on, and all A.J. did was show up to work, play the corner position, lead defensive backs, give us great energy at practice, tackle, knock down passes, get better, go to work and just play.”

When Terrell spoke about his contract situation at the start of training camp, he asserted he wasn’t going to let it disrupt his on-field play. Instead, Terrell was all-in on the Falcons.

He proved true on his word — and watching his trust and efforts culminate in such a contract left Terrell feeling immense gratitude.

“Just playing the game of football all your life and putting in so much work and finally being able to reap the benefits of everything you went through,” Terrell said Friday night. “For myself, I know all you can do is just reminisce and just pay respects to all the things I overcame.”

In a time across the league where many players hold out or publicly voice their frustrations about contract talks, Terrell has stayed true to his word — and his character.

The 2021 second-team All-Pro left his negotiations in the hands of Athletes First agent David Mulugheta. Terrell noted that after all, Mulugheta’s job is to handle such discussions.

Terrell trusted Mulugheta to take care of business off the field so the former Clemson standout could prepare for another type of business on it. And so, Terrell’s full focus was on growing within the structure of the 2024 Falcons.

“I never really paid attention to it,” Terrell said. “Just coming in and doing something I love with the team I love for the city, it wasn’t hard for me coming in. I was sleeping peaceful at night. As long as I’m going out there handling my business in practice, leading by example, and making my presence felt, it will all take care of itself.

“So, I never had any thoughts like that. I just played my cards and just kept my head forward and just kept working.”

Terrell is an Atlanta native. He played at Westlake High School, where he’ll be an honorary captain Aug. 30 before getting his jersey retired. He’s not only around his family, which is a strong support staff in its own, but a number of fans who’ve watched him for close to a decade.

And as Terrell strolled through the grounds of Mercedes-Benz Stadium in street clothes on Friday night, he could feel the fan support — something he said still means a lot to him.

“Growing up here and being able to stay home for your NFL career, a lot of people don’t get this opportunity of being able to play at home and make a statement and be loved by the fans and things like that,” Terrell said. “So I don’t take none of it for granted, never did.

“When I go out there and play, it’s always for my family, the city, and the team.”

The 25-year-old Terrell has been Atlanta’s top corner since entering the league via Morris in 2020. Terrell has started all 61 games in which he’s played, missing only five contests. In 2023, he started all 17 games, logging 45 tackles, four tackles for loss and 11 passes defended.

Yet for as impactful as Terrell has been on the field, he’s made a similar difference off it. Terrell is a respected locker room leader who was named a captain as a third-year pro in 2022.

Away from football, Terrell said he’s prioritized community service events. He started the A.J. Terrell Foundation, which helps improve both educational and athletic opportunities for Atlanta’s youth.

Terrell wants to impact the community any way he can, with hopes of being someone who people can get to know underneath the helmet and shoulder pads — for the betterment of the city he’s grown so close to.

“Just lay eyes and be able to physically touch somebody and help somebody become a better version of themselves,” Terrell said. “And things that I enjoy doing is never hesitating to help out. So being able to be a physical touch to those people and help them is just the beginning.

“I’m still trying to find ways to even be more of a staple to the community and just represent Atlanta.”

When Terrell signed his extension Thursday, Morris had the chance to meet and walk around with his family. Usually, such interactions occur after spending first-round draft picks on players, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic and his ensuing three-year departure to the Los Angeles Rams, Morris never had the chance.

Both Morris and Fontenot have stressed that Terrell, who’s battled ups and downs on the field amidst changing defensive schemes and coaching staffs, wholly deserves his new deal. Beyond Terrell, the Falcons’ two leaders have expressed thanks to owner Arthur Blank for helping keep homegrown talent on the roster.

And for Morris, who has a unique perspective having seen Terrell arrive as a rookie but being away during a crucial three-year growth period, watching Terrell be financially rewarded for his efforts was a “beautiful occasion” — in part because of the genuine happiness from those around him.

“I can talk about A.J. all night if you asked me to because I’m proud to have him,” Morris said. “I was fired up for him to do that. When a young man tells you that’s one of the best days of his life, that’s absolutely outstanding.

“And his teammates and how they cheered for him and how they were excited for him, that’s just different than what I’ve seen in most places.”

Terrell may not have been drafted by Fontenot, but the two formed an early relationship; when Fontenot was hired in January 2021, he frequntly saw Terrell in the building during the offseason, working to take the next step after his All-Pro campaign.

Now, Terrell feels indebted to Fontenot and Blank — and hinted at his personal interest in staying a Falcon for the remainder of his career.

“I just give thanks to Arthur Blank and Terry Fontenot for believing in me and seeing what they saw in me being here for the next four years and hopefully forever,” Terrell said. “Just being able to bless me and my family and just be the best version of myself for the next four years.”

Terrell has enjoyed a strong training camp at IBM Performance Field. After two seasons of no interceptions, he’s generated multiple takeaways this summer.

Defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake has preached getting the ball back to the offense, and with Atlanta transitioning from a press-man scheme to Lake’s zone system, more opportunities exist for corners to make plays.

And with perhaps the NFL’s best safety duo behind him in Jessie Bates III and Justin Simmons, Terrell has high hopes for this fall. He mentioned Friday night the organization’s intent to push for a Super Bowl bid.

Terrell still hasn’t made the playoffs in his four-year professional career. The Falcons have yet to finish with a .500 record since Terrell’s arrival.

But expectations are different this year, be it due to Morris’s energy, the arrival of quarterback Kirk Cousins or the plethora of defensive additions.

And Terrell, with more money in his bank account and no further questions about his long-term future, is ready to help the Falcons take the next step after years of falling short.

“I’m excited to be here, man,” Terrell said. “It’s been a blessing for sure. Finally soaking in the last couple of hours and just thankful.”

The Atlanta Braves added another outfielder to the mix after signing veteran Harold Ramirez to a minor league deal on Friday.

29-year-old Ramirez was recently released by the Washington Nationals, where he logged 25 games with the division rivals. He also had a stint with the Tampa Bay Rays this season, where he appeared in 48 games.

He suited up for the Gwinnett Stripers Friday night and had a successful debut, with two hits and two RBI.

Ramirez will add some outfield depth to the Stripers and simultaneously give the Braves some options as the team has been plagued by injury this season.

More Braves News:

With a home run and a game-winner, Michael Harris II helped give the Braves their 3-2 walk-off win over the Washington Nationals.

Drake Baldwin led the Stripers to a 7-2 win in grand fashion. More in the minor league recap.

A strong pitching staff and the new guys flashing the leather are included in takeaways from the Braves-Phillies series.

In the latest Braves Dispatch, Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution discusses Ozzie Albies’ return, A.J. Minter’s surgery, and more.

MLB News:

The San Francisco Giants have reportedly been in talks with third baseman Matt Chapman about an extension. He has two years and $36M remaining on his deal. The club also signed veteran catcher Andrew Knapp to a major league deal.

The Arizona Diamondbacks moved the struggling Jordan Montgomery to the bullpen. He’s put up a 6.44 ERA this season in 19 starts.

After firing skipper Scott Servais on Thursday, the Seattle Mariners have hired Hall of Famer Edgar Martinez as hitting coach for the rest of 2024.

The San Diego Padres reinstated right-hander Yu Darvish from the restricted list and returned him to the 15-day injured list. He has not made an appearance since May 29.

The Cincinnati Reds placed left-hander Andrew Abbott on the 15-day injured list with a left shoulder strain. The move is retroactive to August 20.

The Washington Nationals will call up No. 2 overall pick Dylan Crews to make his major league debut on Monday versus the New York Yankees.

Texas Rangers star Max Scherzer was scratched from his rehab start for Double-A Frisco on Friday night. The club has not provided more information.

The Atlanta Falcons suffered a 31-0 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Friday night’s preseason finale at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta finished the exhibition slate with an 0-3 record.

The next time Atlanta hits the turf on its home field will be Sept. 8 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, when the games — and consequences — will be real.

But on Friday night, the Falcons were loose, so much that head coach Raheen Morris jogged over and joined a Jaguars’ pre-game huddle.

Still, with 60 minutes of football in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Morris and staff received their final evaluation period of over 50 players before roster cuts Aug. 27.

Here’s what to know from Friday night’s blowout …

Jaguars Play Starters, Falcons Don’t

Jacksonville played its first-team offense, headlined by quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne, until the midway point of the second quarter. Similarly, the Jaguars’ starting defense played for the entire first half.

The Falcons, conversely, took a similar approach to their second preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, sitting roughly 40 players. No members of Atlanta’s starting offense or defense took the field, nor did backup quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who played in the opener Aug. 9 against the Miami Dolphins but was a healthy scratch the past two games.

[ Falcons Coach Morris Explains Michael Penix Jr. Not Playing at Ravens in Preseason]

Atlanta’s starters dressed and warmed up pre-game, with the idea likely to get a similar feel for a typical pre-game routine at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but once the game began, most players returned to street clothes.

Starting quarterback Kirk Cousins, who didn’t play in the preseason, donned a helmet on the sideline, listening to play calls and taking mental reps. But otherwise, that’s as close as any of Atlanta’s key players got to seeing the field Friday.

Top Standouts

With significant snaps available for the Falcons’ third- and fourth-string players, there was no shortage of opportunities to make a statement against Jacksonville’s starters. A few took advantage of the opportunity.

At halftime, receivers Casey Washington and Chris Blair each had a pair of grabs, Washington totaling 31 yards while Blair gained 18. As Atlanta looks to round out its No. 5 and 6 spots at wideout, Washington and Blair appear to be the favorites. They finished as the lone Falcons with multiple receptions.

Recently signed running back Spencer Brown was Atlanta’s leading rusher, taking 11 carries for 51 yards. He’s on the outside looking in for the team’s final running back spot, as Carlos Washington Jr. and Jase McClellan are the top internal options, but Brown certainly impressed Friday.

Washington had a limited role, seeing four carries for seven yards while catching one pass for seven yards. McClellan wasn’t much more efficient, gaining 12 yards on four attempts. He also had one reception for 11 yards.

Defensively, linebacker Donavan Mutin collected a game-high 18 tackles, 13 of which were solo. It’s the most of any Falcon this preseason.

In the secondary, assistant head coach/defense Jerry Gray cited cornerbacks Kevin King, Natrone Brooks and undrafted rookie Jayden Price as his first half standouts against Jacksonville’s starting offense. Brooks and Price each notched six tackles, while King added three more.

King Sees New Role, Which May Help Roster Hopes for Brooks

For as unrepresentative as the preseason can be at times, the Falcons had an interesting defensive alignment in the first half — King, who has played outside corner the entire offseason, saw extensive action at safety.

Atlanta’s starting safeties are set, with Jessie Bates III and Justin Simmons holding down those roles and Richie Grant expected to rotate in as a capable third option. But with DeMarcco Hellams set to miss significant time due to an ankle injury suffered against Miami, there will be a spot available at the No. 4 slot.

Micah Abernathy is expected to fill that duty, but King’s versatility gives the Falcons options. It also allows Atlanta to keep Hellams on the initial roster before placing him on injured reserve so he can return later this season, as Morris alluded is possible.

Another point in King’s potential move to safety is the Falcons opening a roster spot at corner, which could benefit Brooks come cut day. Atlanta will likely carry six corners, and King is the favorite to get the last spot — unless, of course, he’s no longer officially labeled as one.

QBs Struggle

Backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke’s preseason was a rollercoaster that ultimately ended at a low point. After a dismal 4-for-11, 11-yard performance against Miami, Heinicke bounced back in Baltimore, going 8-of-16 for 114 yards.

On Friday night, Heinicke was somewhere in the middle of the two but wasn’t necessarily impressive. He finished 8-of-17 for 81 yards, an average of 4.8 yards per attempt.

Fourth-string undrafted rookie passer John Paddock was given just three pass attempts in the second half, completing one for a four-yard gain. The Falcons spent much of the final 30 minutes rushing the ball, gaining further evaluation of Brown entering cut day.

After the game, Morris told the broadcast crew the Falcons will have some decisions to make at quarterback. Paddock appears likely to be cut but is a prime practice squad candidate.

Real intrigue surrounds Heinicke, who could be the team’s No. 3 passer while just as easily being cut or traded. Only time will tell which outcome occurs — but the 31-year-old expressed interest postgame in sticking with the organization.

“You see a lot of special things during practice, during camp,” said Heinicke, who mentioned the additions of Simmons and outside linebacker Matt Judon, along with the team’s energy and offseason growth. “Those are the things that make me want to stay here.”

After Months of Work, Film is Final

The Falcons’ next time on the gridiron will be Wednesday at IBM Performance Field, the day after cuts. As such, Friday night was the last opportunity for players to impress on film.

Now comes a 72-hour stretch that Morris — from a human perspective — despises: Releasing 37 players to bring the roster from 90 to 53. Atlanta can, of course, sign 16 players to its practice squad, but the principle remains difficult for Morris.

“This is the toughest time in football,” Morris told the broadcast, “when you’ve got to release people and kill people’s dreams.”

Apart from quarterback, Morris noted the depth of the Falcons’ defensive line when discussing the most challenging positions to trim.

He mentioned earlier in training camp Atlanta may go heavier up front because of how many talented players it has, but even then, a few capable candidates — like defensive tackles LaCale London and Zion Logue — may find themselves on the outside looking in.

Preseason … Not Often Representative

The Falcons have gone winless during the exhibition slate three times in their last seven tries.

The first came in 2017, when they followed by going 10-6, winning a road playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams and falling just short against the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Atlanta also went winless in 2018, when it trudged through an injury-plagued season and finished 7-9, and again in 2021, when it went 7-10 in the first year of then-coach Arthur Smith’s first campaign.

How the Falcons’ season ultimately unfolds remains to be seen, but this much is for sure: The results of this preseason serve as no indicator for what’s to come.

The real answer will start to be shared Sept. 8 against Pittsburgh — but that’s two weeks away. For now, Morris and staff are focused on assembling the most competitive team possible, a goal that will see a critical three-day span culminating in Tuesday’s looming roster cuts.