Drake London's $16.8M Contract Option Reportedly Exercised by Falcons for 2026 Season

Drake London will be with the Atlanta Falcons through at least the 2026 season.

As expected, the team picked up the receiver's $16.8 million contract option on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

London, 23, is developing into a star wide receiver. He had a strong rookie season in 2022, catching 72 passes for 866 yards and four touchdowns. While his sophomore season was solid (69 catches for 905 yards and two scores), it wasn't the jump many fans were expecting.

But under new head coach Raheem Morris and a pair of new quarterbacks in Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr., London took that jump in year three, setting career highs in receptions (100), receiving yards (1,271) and touchdowns (nine).

He paired with Darnell Mooney (64 catches for 992 yards and five touchdowns) to give the Falcons an excellent one-two punch at wideout.

"They've done a great job," Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said of the pair in December. "Obviously, their skill sets complement each other really well. They are both very, very smart football players. They love it. They compete. Those two guys are a lot of fun to coach every single day because they bring it, and they bring out the best in everybody. So, it's no surprise that they're having such great seasons."

Add in superstar running back Bijan Robinson, tight end Kyle Pitts and the up-and-coming Penix—who looked good when he was finally promoted to starting quarterback later in the season—and the Falcons have an intriguing young offense.

London is a key figure in that group, making it an easy decision to pick up his fifth-year option. A lucrative contract extension should follow.