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The former 2020 first-rounder can earn up to $20 million on his new deal, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, with $11 million being guaranteed. Henderson was drafted No. 9 overall by the Jaguars in 2020, but has since bounced around to the Panthers, Texans, and Steelers, and was actually cut by the Falcons in August 2025 during final roster cutdowns after camp. Since then, Henderson has played his way not only onto the 53-man roster, but into a starting role. He has started six of the eight games he has appeared in for Atlanta this season, totaling 41 tackles, nine pass breakups, and one fumble recovery while earning a PFF coverage grade of 65.3. Playing almost exclusively on the outside, he has allowed opposing receivers to go for 252 yards and three touchdowns on 44 targets.
The 2020 first-rounder only played in Week 3 of the preseason, notching a 71.7 PFF coverage grade in 14 coverage snaps. Henderson, 27 in September, will look to catch on elsewhere as the season starts.
C.J. Henderson· DB
Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Henderson still has to pass his physical. The deal will be official once that happens. Henderson spent a month on the Steelers’ practice squad last year before being called up to the active roster. He did not, however, appear in a single game as a Steeler. His last live reps came with the Panthers in 2023. He made 10 starts, appeared in all 17 games, and broke up six passes with two interceptions. The team correspondingly released OT Tyrone Wheatley Jr. with an injury designation.
Henderson logged zero defensive snaps with the Steelers last season. He would likely compete for a backup role, should the Falcons bring him aboard.
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