The Atlanta Falcons’ journey to the Super Bowl in the 2016 season ended in heartbreak as they squandered a historic 25-point lead to the New England Patriots. The subsequent season saw them reach the divisional round before bowing out to the Philadelphia Eagles. Since that high point, the Falcons have settled into a pattern of mediocrity, with records fluctuating between 7-9, 7-10, or 8-9 in all but one season. Unsurprisingly, they have not returned to the playoffs since their 2017 appearance.
Despite the team’s struggles on the field, there have been individual successes, notably wide receiver Drake London. Selected eighth overall in the 2022 draft, London has proven to be a standout performer. Over four seasons, he has accumulated 309 catches, 3,961 yards, and 22 touchdowns. Even after missing five games last year due to injury, he nearly reached the 1,000-yard mark, setting personal records for receiving yards per game and yards per reception.
In recognition of his exceptional contributions, the Falcons are rewarding London with a monumental contract, the most lucrative in the franchise’s history. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, London has agreed to a four-year extension worth up to $150 million, with $100 million guaranteed. This deal positions him as the third highest-paid receiver in the NFL, earning $35.25 million next season. Only Seattle’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase surpass him with annual earnings of $42.15 million and $40.25 million, respectively.
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While London’s contract is a significant milestone, the identity of the quarterback who will be throwing to him remains uncertain. The Falcons have added Tua Tagovailoa to their roster this summer, setting up a competition with current quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Regardless of who takes the helm, London is expected to continue posting impressive stats, supported by a talented lineup that includes the formidable tight end Kyle Pitts and premier running back Bijan Robinson.
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.
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