Falcons Elevate Former Top-Ten Pick CJ Henderson to Active Roster Following Agnew Departure
ATLANTA – In a strategic shuffling of the deck as the NFL season enters its critical final stretch, the Atlanta Falcons have officially promoted cornerback CJ Henderson to the 53-man active roster. The transaction, confirmed by the team’s front office on Tuesday, marks a significant turning point for the former University of Florida standout who has spent the better part of the year navigating the precarious waters of the league’s practice squad system.
The roster vacancy was created in a corresponding move that saw the Falcons waive veteran kick returner and wide receiver Jamal Agnew. While Agnew brought a wealth of experience and All-Pro credentials in the return game, the coaching staff’s decision to pivot toward Henderson suggests a shift in priority, emphasizing defensive depth and secondary versatility over specialized special teams play.
A Resilience-Tested journey
For Henderson, the path back to a permanent locker room spot in Atlanta has been anything but linear. The former No. 9 overall pick, once heralded as one of the premier lockdown prospects in the country, has faced a rollercoaster 2024 campaign. After spending the offseason and training camp with the Falcons, he was a high-profile casualty during the final roster cuts on August 26.
Despite the initial setback, Henderson’s relationship with the Falcons organization remained “fluid.” He briefly sought opportunities elsewhere, including a stint on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ active roster. While his time in the Steel City allowed him to maintain professional conditioning, he never saw game action, eventually leading to his return to the familiar confines of Flowery Branch.
Henderson’s persistence paid off when he was re-signed to Atlanta’s practice squad on November 13. Since that return, team insiders suggest his performance in scout-team drills and his grasp of the defensive scheme earned him the “next man up” status required for this promotion.
The “Gator” Impact in the Secondary
The elevation of the “former Gator” provides Head Coach Raheem Morris with a high-pedigree athlete capable of playing multiple roles in the secondary. At his best, Henderson possesses the length and recovery speed that made him a top-ten selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. By moving on from Agnew to secure Henderson, the Falcons are signaling a commitment to bolstering their pass defense—a necessity given the high-powered offenses looming on their late-season schedule.
While the loss of Agnew’s returning prowess leaves a void, the Falcons appear confident in their internal depth to handle kick-off duties. The move essentially gambles on the idea that a rejuvenated Henderson can recapture the flashes of brilliance he showed early in his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Carolina Panthers.
Looking Ahead
As the Falcons prepare for their upcoming matchup, Henderson is expected to be integrated immediately into sub-packages and special teams units. For a player who has spent multiple stints on the practice squad this season alone, the active roster designation is more than just a paycheck; it is a final opportunity to prove he belongs in the long-term plans of a franchise eyeing a postseason berth.