Falcons-Drake London Negotiations Just Got More Complicated After Latest Extension

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) on the field before a game against the Detroit Lions at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) on the field before a game against the Detroit Lions at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Falcons are focused on their Week 1 bout against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an NFC South tilt. The Falcons are looking to start the campaign off with a bang, but one of their best players, wide receiver Drake London, is up for an extension.

This offseason, several standout WRs have inked extensions, and it continued on Monday. According to Jordan Schultz, the Washington Commanders agreed on a three-year, $96 million extension. That comes months after a contract dispute that led to holding in and not practicing. The Commanders managed to get something done before the season began, but this is another hurdle that got added to Atlanta's plate in regard to a London extension.

Falcons' Drake London Watches Another WR Get Extended

London is eligible for an extension after three productive seasons with Atlanta. His production has increased each year, reeling in 241 catches (385 targets) for 3,042 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns.

In 2024, he finished with career-highs in receiving yards (1,271) and receiving touchdowns (9). On Pro Football Focus, he had an 87.8 overall grade (7th among 98 graded WRs) and a 90.1 receiving grade (4th among 98 graded WRs).

He is the Falcons' clear WR1 and has the skillset to be an All-Pro WR. Atlanta picked up his fifth-year option and wants him to be in their long-term plans, but they haven't backed it up with an extension.

Considering McLaurin just got paid and London is five years younger than him, that can't be the best feeling for the USC product. Meanwhile, Garrett Wilson got a four-year, $130 million extension that saw him get $90 million guaranteed with the New York Jets. Wilson and London were both in the 2022 NFL draft and were selected two picks apart (London went No. 8 and Wilson went No. 10).

London would be thrilled to get an extension from Atlanta, but since McLaurin got $32 million a year, the 24-year-old Falcons WR may look to get more than that.

The longer they wait, the higher the price will go. Especially since Detroit Lions WR Jameson Williams is another WR eligible for an extension.

The Falcons should be proactive to get a deal done with one of the better players on their roster.

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