The Atlanta Falcons' front office has reportedly made their decision official on the fifth-year option in former first-round wide receiver Drake London's contract.
The Falcons will pick up London's option for $16.8 million to keep him in Atlanta through, at least, the 2026 season, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. With the franchise turning the page on the Kirk Cousins era in order to hand the reins over to Michael Penix Jr., it makes sense for the front office to try and have as much stability around Penix Jr..
If stability is what the Falcons are looking for on the outside, London is about as reliable of an option as they have at their disposal. The former University of Southern California standout has been very durable since coming to Atlanta, starting in 48 of the 50 games he has appeared in.
London's value to the franchise goes well beyond his availability as well as; he has reeled in 241 receptions for 3,042 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns since entering the league.
This past season saw London breakout in the biggest way yet as he brought in 100 receptions on 158 targets during the 2024 campaign, further solidifying his standing as a top receiving option on the outside.
The former No. 8 overall pick will enter the season as the leader in a wide receiver room that includes Darnell Moody and Ray-Ray McCloud III as the likely starters opposite of London. Atlanta's wide receiver group, at this time, also includes Casey Washington, KhaDarel Hodge, and Chris Blair.
With London leading those wideouts, coupled with Bijan Robinson holding down the running back position and Kyle Pitts doing the same at tight end, should provide Penix Jr. with enough fire power to help the Falcons make some noise in the NFC South.