The Atlanta Falcons have one less question to answer after handing receiver Drake London an extension that locks up the pass catcher for the next five seasons. London earned a deal worth $141 million with $100 million in guarantees, locking the receiver firmly near the top of the league when it comes to annual contract value at the position. This frees up the Falcons to focus on other upcoming extensions with one clear target after London's deal has become official.
Bijan Robinson is the next piece that the franchise cannot afford to walk away, with the back an even more talented playmaker than London. Bijan led the league in scrimmage yardage a season ago and was a consistent threat despite the Falcons not having a consistent passing attack.
Any opposing defense understood that stopping Robinson was a sure way to shut down the Falcon offense, with the back often being relied on to create yardage with very little blocking or passing game. This made it clear that Robinson has more than earned an extension, which has a chance to reset the market at the position. With this in mind, London's deal has cleared the way for a more important negotiation that comes with a clear ceiling.
Drake London's Extension Opens the Door for Bijan Robinson to Get What is Due
Looking at the current market, the highest annual value at the position is Saquon Barkley at an average of $20.6 million per season. Another recent example is Breece Hall, who earned a three-year extension worth $45.75 million. With this in mind, the likely price for Robinson is going to be a four-year extension worth $22-23 million annually.
It is a contract that is going to reset the market and hand Robinson the stability to continue to take on an incredibly high volume of targets. It is a price that is well worth the potential risks, with the Falcons needing to make the move as quickly as possible.
The longer that Atlanta holds off on an extension, the higher the price will be in a market that continues to grow more expensive. Getting London's deal out of the way provides a bit of future clarity when it comes to cap space and should allow the Falcons to fully focus their front office energy on signing their best offensive player. Bijan has more than earned every penny and should be re-signed ahead of the season, taking away at least one potential upcoming distraction.
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