A.j. Woods

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Falcons secured solid depth value with A.J. Woods' one-year, $0.9M deal, earning a C+ CVI that represents fair market pricing for a developmental cornerback. At just under $1M annually, this contract reflects appropriate compensation for a player who projects as a rotational piece rather than a cornerstone defender, with Atlanta avoiding any meaningful financial risk while adding competition to their secondary. The single-year structure provides maximum flexibility for both sides — Woods gets an opportunity to prove himself worthy of a larger deal, while the Falcons can evaluate his fit without long-term commitment. This type of modest investment in a young corner makes sense for a team looking to build depth behind their established starters, particularly given the minimal cap implications. While Woods may not move the needle significantly in 2024, the contract's low-risk nature and potential upside justify the C+ CVI grade as a prudent depth acquisition that won't handcuff the franchise's future flexibility.

Performance Analysis

A.J. Woods enters the league as an undrafted-level developmental cornerback for Atlanta, still searching for consistent playing time in his debut season. Early returns earn him a D+ overall grade, which, while concerning, isn't uncommon for raw corners breaking into the NFL. Many developmental backs like Rasul Douglas took multiple seasons before finding meaningful roles. Woods' tackle production is the most glaring red flag right now, logging just 0.67 tackles per game against an NFL average of 3.00. For a cornerback, that number suggests extremely limited snaps rather than outright poor play — context matters here. His season trend moving from a D in 2024 to an F in 2025 signals he hasn't yet found footing at the professional level. The path forward is narrow but not closed — Atlanta's secondary has developmental history, and corners with athleticism can emerge late in their rookie contracts. Woods must earn defensive snaps on merit before any meaningful evaluation is even possible. Watch for whether he carves out special teams value as his most realistic foothold heading into year two.

Current Sentiment

A.J. Woods enters the 2026 offseason as a fringe roster candidate for the Atlanta Falcons, having spent his early NFL tenure navigating the practice squad and reserve/future contract landscape rather than securing a stable active roster role. His profile reflects that of a developmental cornerback still working to establish himself as a reliable depth piece at the NFL level, with no notable accolades or statistical benchmarks to elevate his standing in the eyes of media or fan bases. The broader narrative surrounding the Falcons' roster management under General Manager Terry Fontenot adds an additional layer of uncertainty, as reports suggest veterans and depth players alike face heightened scrutiny heading into the new league year. Woods has generated minimal independent media coverage, which in his case reflects obscurity rather than quiet confidence, leaving his perception anchored firmly in the developmental-player tier. Unless he produces a standout training camp or preseason performance, the prevailing expectation is that he will once again be competing for a practice squad designation rather than a guaranteed active roster spot in 2026.