The Atlanta Falcons have exercised the fifth-year option for wide receiver Drake London, solidifying his contract through the 2026 season. The announcement came on Wednesday, just before the league-wide deadline on May 1. The news was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
London, who was the eighth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, entitles the Falcons to a fifth-year option as part of his rookie contract. Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson commented on London’s strong competitive nature back in January: “Drake is a dog,” he said. “He’s so competitive, hyper competitive…but then you’re like, ‘Man, that’s what makes you go.'”
The 2024 season saw London achieving his first 1,000-yard mark. He secured 100 out of 158 targets for a total of 1,271 yards, with a 63.3% catch rate and an average of 74.8 yards per game. He also scored nine touchdowns over the season, surpassing his previous record of four during his rookie year.
In a notable performance during the Falcons’ Week 18 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers, London achieved his best individual game with 10 receptions for 187 yards and two touchdowns.
Falcons General Manager Terry Fontenot expressed high regards for London during the NFL Draft: “He’s a stud on the field,” Fontenot stated. “He will do anything he can to rip your face off and win the game. That’s who he is, and that’s what we want.”
London’s statistics show consistent improvement: in 2023, he caught 69 of 110 targets for 905 yards and two touchdowns, while in 2022, he caught 72 of 117 targets for 866 yards and four touchdowns.
Not only has London shown improvement on the field, but he has also grown into a leadership role within the team. Coach Robinson recognized this growth by stating, “I’ve seen that big time.”
London’s consistency is expected to benefit the Falcons, particularly their second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who formed a promising connection with London at the end of last season.
Since entering the Falcons, London has been dependable, missing only one game in 2023 due to a groin injury. He has started in all but two of his appearances, proving to be a valuable pick for the Falcons.
Robinson added, “Everybody knows that when the ball is snapped, No. 5 is going to be giving everything he’s got, every single snap.”
