Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant didn’t have the season he wanted to have in 2016. Trufant suffered a hip injury during the preseason and later suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in week nine. I can only imagine what thoughts went through Trufant’s mind watching his young, inexperienced defense lose steam late in the Super Bowl. “Gut-wrenching” doesn’t do those emotions justice.
Looking ahead to 2017, Trufant figures to play an integral, player/coach-like role in the continued development of the Falcons defense. That’s why the Falcons handed him a 5 year, $69 million extension in April. This is the last year Trufant will be paid like an average NFL defensive back.