The Atlanta Falcons were "optimistic" about getting rookie cornerback Desmond Trufant into camp on time, and there was good reason for that.
The team's first-round draft pick signed his contract with the Falcons on Wednesday, NFL.com's Steve Wyche reported. A person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press it's a four-year, $8.16 million contract, of which $4.3 million is guaranteed. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the terms had not been announced by the Falcons.
There was concern that Trufant and Atlanta's front office might be headed for a long squabble over money, based on his being selected at No. 22 overall, where the Cleveland Browns grabbed quarterback Brandon Weeden in 2012. Cleveland signed Weeden to a four-year, $8.083 million contract with $7,511,288 in guarantees. That was more guaranteed money than Atlanta wanted to fork over, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
With the sides settling their differences, Trufant is set to play a critical role in the Falcons' secondary. The former University of Washington standout will compete in a three-man battle with Dominique Franks and Robert Alford for the right cornerback slot opposite Asante Samuel.
The Falcons also announced the signing of rookie quarterback Sean Renfree, who was taken in the seventh round of April's draft.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.