Thomas, 26, received a three-year deal that includes $13 million guaranteed and can be worth as much as $33 million, according to a team source. Henderson's two-year extension carries roughly $11 million guaranteed and a maximum value of about $20 million.

Both players have been central to a defensive resurgence this season. Thomas has started all nine games and, while he has recorded only two sacks, he leads the team with 12 quarterback hits and ranks 30th leaguewide with 26 quarterback pressures. His disruption up front has helped compensate for a pass rush that has relied on collective effort rather than a single dominant edge presence.

Henderson, a former first-round pick, has revived his career in Atlanta. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound corner has allowed just 74 receiving yards on 26 targets, according to Next Gen Stats, and has yet to surrender a touchdown. His coverage has given the Falcons flexibility in the secondary and allowed defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich to be more aggressive with his calls.

Ulbrich praised Henderson's approach earlier this week, describing him as a player who has embraced the mental and physical demands of the position. "He's a guy that's really just been locked in," Ulbrich said. "He's got a great feel for the game, and he's playing with a lot of confidence right now."

The extensions come as the Falcons (5-4) try to stay in the NFC playoff picture. Atlanta has dealt with injuries and inconsistency on defense, but the development of Thomas and Henderson has provided stability. The team also recently traded safety Jessie Bates III to Jacksonville, a move that signaled a shift toward younger contributors.

General manager Terry Fontenot has emphasized retaining homegrown talent, and Friday's deals reflect that philosophy. Thomas was a third-round pick in 2022, while Henderson joined the Falcons in 2023 after stints with the Jaguars and Panthers.

The financial commitments are significant but manageable. Thomas's $13 million guaranteed ranks in the middle tier for edge defenders, while Henderson's $11 million guaranteed is a modest sum for a starting corner. Both contracts include incentives that could push the total value higher if the players continue to produce.

For a franchise that has struggled to draft and develop defensive difference-makers, locking up two starters in their mid-20s represents a bet on continued growth. The Falcons have not reached the playoffs since 2017, and their defense has ranked near the bottom of the league in recent years. This season, however, Atlanta ranks in the top half in points allowed and has forced timely turnovers.

Thomas and Henderson are expected to be available when the Falcons host the Saints next Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The team has not announced corresponding roster moves, but the extensions provide cap certainty going forward.

In a league where continuity is increasingly rare, Atlanta's decision to invest in two ascending defenders offers a clear message: the rebuild is counting on them.