The Atlanta Falcons reached the Super Bowl during the 2016 season, losing to the New England Patriots after giving up an NFL record 25-point lead. The following season, the Falcons reached the divisional round before falling to the Philadelphia Eagles. Since then, they’ve been wildly mediocre. In all but one season over that time frame, Atlanta has finished either 7-9, 7-10, or 8-9. As you might expect with those records, the team hasn’t returned to the playoffs since 2017.
Though the Falcons have not had much success on the field, they’ve seen some bright spots, including wide receiver Drake London. The eighth overall pick of the 2022 draft has racked up 309 catches for 3,961 yards and 22 touchdowns over four seasons. Last year, he nearly hit 1,000 yards despite missing five games due to injury, and he still finished with career-bests in receiving yards per game and yards per reception.
For his consistently strong play, the Falcons are awarding London with the highest average per year contract in team history. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, London and the Falcons agreed to a four-year, $141 million extension that could be worth up to $150 million. The deal includes $100 million in guaranteed money.
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London also becomes the third highest-paid receiver in the NFL. He’ll make $35.25 million next season. Only Seattle’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba ($42.15 million per season) and Ja’Marr Chase ($40.25 million) are earning more on an annual basis.
While this is a massive deal for London, the quarterback he’ll be catching passes from is still up in the air. The Falcons signed Tua Tagovailoa to a contract this summer, and he’s competing with incumbent Michael Penix Jr.
London will likely put up strong numbers regardless, and he’s got a solid core around him, too. Tight end Kyle Pitts is a big target, and Bijan Robinson is one of the top running backs in the league.
Of course, offensive skill positions are only part of the game. The Falcons have some holes to shore up across the roster. Still, with London returning and flanked by Pitts and Robinson, Atlanta should be one of the more exciting teams to watch this coming season.
